HELP! HELP! HELP! My hairdresser snapped my hair!

[beachblondeaus]

HELP! My hairdresser snapped my hair!
What are my rights?
How can it be fixed?

I'm located in Australia and I have had the same hairdresser (a specialist blonde salon) for 4 years now. Always been a platinum blonde. I've used only the products that she has recommended, even bought the cloud 9 straightening iron that she recommended.

The last two times that have been to see her for my root touch up, I've had issues. 12 weeks ago, she snapped an entire section of hair down my middle part and along parts along my hair line/face (forehead and near eyes). 6 weeks ago it seems that the entire top section has been snapped, resulting in an area 2inch x 3inch section only being 3inch long and the rest of my hair remaining shoulder length.

I've always been the biggest fan of her work, but these last two times I've gone home and wanted to cry. I've not changed anything and only ever used what she has recommended. I understand that some minimal breakage is normal being a platinum blonde, but i can even tie my hair back now. The hair at the sides stick out and middle part just flicks forward (almost like a mohawk).

I have my 6 weekly appointment again tonight, and i'm scared.

FIRSTLY - What can i say or how can i say it? I want to be nice, but i also want to make my point, shes ruined my hair and im not happy.

SECONDLY - What can be done to repair the damage? I'm sick of looking like i have a mullet on top of my head. I use the EVO shampoo and condition. I have the Redken CAT treatment and am also using Olaplex treatment once a week.

Plus its my birthday next week :(
I have a photo, but cant seem to attach it.

Thanks all, Blondie

[beachblondeaus]

file:///C:/Users/NHarding/Desktop/FullSizeRender.jpg

[luxurioushair]

You're choosing to dye your hair every six weeks...from an outsider's point of view, I'm not sure the damage is entirely the hairdresser's fault. Your hair was guaranteed to break off sooner or later with all the bleaching. If you tell her to keep dyeing it every 6 weeks, she's not going to stop you and say "But your hair will get damaged", you know, because it's more money for her!

1. I would tell her I'm not dyeing my hair anymore, and to just give it a hot oil treatment or something.
2. I would actually stop dyeing it and start giving it deep conditioning treatments or masks or whatever they may be, and start to like my own hair color...maybe in the future I'd do only highlights occasionally.

[beachblondeaus]

But im only having my roots touched up, nothing else done to the already dyed hair. its almost like she overlapped an area.

[SparkleToes]

In my opinion I wouldn't go to that hairdresser again, I just recently was trying to tell a friend to stop going to this one hairdresser who would never do what she wanted. I would say just try to be as polite as possible but be firm and let her know that you are unhappy and what your concerns are , it's your hair. As for your broken pieces there's not a whole lot you can do maybe some deep conditioner like your doing or try extensions or a new hair part. I am trying to fix and grow out bleached hair myself but I wasn't bleaching every 6weeks. If you still want to go to that salon you could try a lower developer or a different approach. I'm so sorry about your hair though. ��

[beachblondeaus]

https://tashharding.smugmug.com/Miscellaneous/Hair-Inspiration/i-d3kNQWw/A

[Ferryl]

Option 1: You can probably get away with maintaining platinum blonde hair and possibly even using heating on it for styling- if you sport a short haircut.
Option 2: If you want long healthy hair, people usually have to choose between heat styling and coloring (this does not include severe bleaching).
Option 3: Read the forums, make your own decisions, find out what your hair will and will not tolerate.

Good luck!

[gthlvrmx]

SECONDLY - What can be done to repair the damage? I'm sick of looking like i have a mullet on top of my head. I use the EVO shampoo and condition. I have the Redken CAT treatment and am also using Olaplex treatment once a week.


You can't repair hair. The best way to get rid of damage is to cut it off. The straightening iron might also be responsible for the hair snapping. Too much heat causes damage to hair. You can try protein treatments (like gelatin) followed by a SMT (it's a moisture treatment that is linked here on the LHC somewhere) to maybe get your hair feeling better. Also, oiling your hair when it's damp/wet will help retain more moisture in your hair.

[Ferryl]

Why say anything to your hairstylist? Just cancel the appointment and don't make another. You may want to go to someone else to hack it off short enough that you almost start from scratch, then grow it out from there. The key to long hair is also not to cut it. Just be super nice and gentle with it and have a ton of patience letting it grow and it will.

[hennalonghair]

You're choosing to dye your hair every six weeks...from an outsider's point of view, I'm not sure the damage is entirely the hairdresser's fault. Your hair was guaranteed to break off sooner or later with all the bleaching. If you tell her to keep dyeing it every 6 weeks, she's not going to stop you and say "But your hair will get damaged", you know, because it's more money for her!

1. I would tell her I'm not dyeing my hair anymore, and to just give it a hot oil treatment or something.
2. I would actually stop dyeing it and start giving it deep conditioning treatments or masks or whatever they may be, and start to like my own hair color...maybe in the future I'd do only highlights occasionally.


But im only having my roots touched up, nothing else done to the already dyed hair. its almost like she overlapped an area.

I tend to agree. Conventional hair dyes are just bad news for hair and so is a heating iron.
Gorgeous vibrant healthy hair and the things you are doing to yours just don't go well together. But that's a decision you alone have to make.

Good luck to you.

[turtlelover]

There are ways to go DARKER with demi color, etc., that aren't as damaging as lightening, so you might want to consider that for the time being if you aren't willing to embrace your natural color. Straightening irons tend to be MURDER on hair, so definitely stay away from that. I would get a shorter haircut, and start doing protein treatments followed by moisturizing treatments on a very regular basis.

[Arctic]

You will need to upload your photo to a photo hosting site, ike Photobucket, and then post it here from the hosting site. :flower:

I'm sorry I don't know anything about bleaching. If the hairdresser is professional enough, she should tell you if she thinks your hair can't take it aymore. I wish you luck!

[spidermom]

Have you ever watched a stylist touch up roots only? It's virtually impossible not to overlap, especially since the mixture is wet. It travels. I think this overlapping and heat styling combined to cause your hair to break off.

My hair can't take heat styling with a flat iron at all. It's murder on my hair!

What you need now, I think, is a deep conditioning treatment, probably more than one. You might have to get a shorter haircut, too.

Good luck!

[Alien Girl]

A hot iron on bleached platinum hair? shudder:

I would stop seeing her if every single time you go it gets worse.
Go to the store, buy a protein treatment. Look into Olaplex.

If you hair is literally snapping off, that sounds like horrible news and you can't really repair it at that point (especially if you want to stay that level of blonde.)

My hair was bleached white and the only way I kind of made it tolerable was to do Aphogee protein treatment and henna. It's still very damaged but better than before but I still have the consequences of over-processing.

[beachblondeaus]

http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/tashharding/media/FullSizeRender01_zps8kt9gvep.jpg.html

[beachblondeaus]

http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r624/tashharding/FullSizeRender01_zps8kt9gvep.jpg (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/tashharding/media/FullSizeRender01_zps8kt9gvep.jpg.html)

[spidermom]

A lot of bleached hair gets into that condition over time, unfortunately, especially when curling or flat irons are involved.

[tigress86]

I agree with spidermom, it is near impossible to touch up 6 weeks of roots without overlapping at all. What is your natural color? Have you ever asked how strong is the developer she uses with the bleach? Perhaps you could switch from bleach to hi lift colors? They are a bit less damaging than bleach (but more damaging than regular dye).

[pahbee]

Your hair doesn't look too bad just from that picture & angle. It doesn't look too frizzy, although I know that it's probably worse irl.
I have some suggestions: maybe trim it all over again? Looks like at this point you're best off trimming it off slowly and growing it out. Since you're platinum blonde now maybe some temp colors wouldn't damage it too much. (Like Manic Panic.) And it might make the growing-out less noticeable.

Protein + moisture treatments that the other user recommended sounds good. I recently saw this product (Aphogee Two-step Treatment Protein for Damaged Hair) that had great reviews from people who have wrecked hair hair with bleach. I've never tried it, but it seems well-known enough to give it a try.

If you really want platinum blonde hair, it might be worth it to get a realistic (even human hair) wig instead. I've always wanted crazy hair colors but my hair is so fine that it can't even handle hair highlights. So I want to get a wig. :)

[beachblondeaus]

My hair is in good condition and has always been in good condition. It doesnt frizz, its nice and soft, its just a bit fine.

My hairdresser has always done a ver good job, its just been the last two times that it hasnt been greatest. I dont know how to talk to her about it.

[DeadlyUnicorn]

If you've been going every 6 weeks for 4 years I'd imagine you know her pretty well.. I would just be honest with her and tell her what you've said here basically and show her the issue you have in your hair :)

[Alastríona]

I'm probably too late now as its already tonight (I'm in Oz too)
How did it go? If I was early enough I was going to suggest showing her the damage and asking for her opinion on what she thinks and what she'd suggest. It sounds like you like her, like your (until recently) hair and want to keep going the way you are. Certainly I think the worst thing you can do is do nothing, so I hope you were able to talk to her about it.

[Isilme]

Combining regular heat styling with hair bleached this light is a recipe for disaster I'm afraid. It was only a matter of time before something like this would happen. Consider growing out your natural haircolour or ask her to use a deposit only colour if you want a different shade. Also, henna is marvelous on damaged hair but read up carefully here on the forums both once and twice before you decide anything about henna. It's superduper permanent and red. But makes for gorgeous hair. If your natural hair is flaxen/dark blonde/anything light brown or dark blonde you could look up cassia if you want a conditioning treatment and some golden hues.
For now I'd just ask her to do a deep treatment and stay far away from colour until you have decided.

[lapushka]

Root touch-ups every 6 weeks is a *lot*! You might want to extend the weeks here. Furthermore, bleach damage is bleach damage, and if you want to grow out your hair, the two are virtually impossible to do at the same time. This now is just about keeping hair on your head, I'm afraid. The best thing is to cut out all bleach, if at all possible and try and nurse your hair back to health. Might want to ditch the heat as well.

I had severe bleach damage (chemical cut & burn) and I underwent bleach damage twice. Twice I had to have my hair cut back to chin, and only after the second time I learned my lesson. It is not compatible with long hair! Just... NO!

[missmelaniem]

My hair is in good condition and has always been in good condition. It doesnt frizz, its nice and soft, its just a bit fine.

My hairdresser has always done a ver good job, its just been the last two times that it hasnt been greatest. I dont know how to talk to her about it.

Your photo doesnt really show much... are the layers on top layers or breakage. They look like regular layers... I'm just not sure what youre trying to show in the photo. Your hair (from the picture) looks to be in pretty good condition.

Have you mentioned it to her? I'd say something like "Ive noticed more breakage here...." and then show her where its at. Thats about all you can do if you intend to go back to the same person. You can just hope she doesnt get defensive ... we dont know much about your relationship with her so its difficult to comment. She should know what shes doing wrong if you point the damage out to her. Good luck

[red autumn]

Root touch-ups every 6 weeks is a *lot*! You might want to extend the weeks here. Furthermore, bleach damage is bleach damage, and if you want to grow out your hair, the two are virtually impossible to do at the same time. This now is just about keeping hair on your head, I'm afraid. The best thing is to cut out all bleach, if at all possible and try and nurse your hair back to health. Might want to ditch the heat as well.

I had severe bleach damage (chemical cut & burn) and I underwent bleach damage twice. Twice I had to have my hair cut back to chin, and only after the second time I learned my lesson. It is not compatible with long hair! Just... NO!

i can only agree with everything what's been said already, especially your post, lapushka: the bleach kills the hair deeply, when you bleach regularly you just wait for the snap to come, and you keep your fingers crossed. i had tailbone length when mine broke, i had to cut it ear-length. once they are burnt, there is nothing to be done.

[slynr]

I had my hair highlighted over the years and went to the best stylist in town. He was the master. Unfortunately, no matter how good the stylist, bleaching takes its toll. I used the best products and did everything I was supposed to in order to maintain the condition. My hair just got to the point it could no longer take the abuse no matter what. This promuted me to grow out my natural color which took 3 years and cutting the bleach out as I went.

My experience was hair can take it until it just cant. I had no warning it just started breaking off. No amount of Silicon or deep treatments or glosses were going to change that fact. Some people's hair can take it but it's a sad and length costing realization when your hair starts to rebel.

[spidermom]

My hair is in good condition and has always been in good condition. It doesnt frizz, its nice and soft, its just a bit fine.

My hairdresser has always done a ver good job, its just been the last two times that it hasnt been greatest. I dont know how to talk to her about it.

I hope you were able to work out a recovery plan with your stylist. I don't believe it's the last two times that went bad; I believe it's accumulated damage over time that finally showed up.

[Ferryl]

I hope everything went well with your hairstylist. I know your questions were more short-term based, but from your profile it looks like you are wanting longer hair. If this is true, you may want to prioritize your long-term hair goals.

[lapushka]

I hope you were able to work out a recovery plan with your stylist. I don't believe it's the last two times that went bad; I believe it's accumulated damage over time that finally showed up.

Yep another one here who thinks it's cumulative damage! You just have to figure out what's more important, the bleach blonde or long hair.

[mz_butterfly]

My hair is in good condition and has always been in good condition. It doesnt frizz, its nice and soft, its just a bit fine.

My hairdresser has always done a ver good job, its just been the last two times that it hasnt been greatest. I dont know how to talk to her about it.

It's devastating to realize that ones hair is damaged beyond repair. But this is one that you simply cannot blame on the stylist.

Your hair may have appeared to be "in good condition" while using products recommended by the salon, but those are usually full of silicones that kind of fill in the damage. You are choosing to bleach the life out of your hair and then to add further damage by using a hot iron. Neither bleach nor heat is good for hair. It WILL damage ALL HAIR and although you may not see it immediately, it becomes apparent over time.

Don't blame the hairdresser, she did what you asked. You are responsible for the damage that you have inflicted on your own hair.

You can choose to ignore everyone who is telling you this or you can choose to listen to good advice and make changes that will keep your new growth from becoming damaged as well.

If you choose to continue bleaching your hair and using a hot iron, you will continue with the same damage over time. If you stop bleaching and heat, you have a future for healthy hair.

It's completely up to you as to how you want your hair to behave. But blaming the salon or the stylist is a dead end. That's like getting tattoos then blaming the tattoo artist for making marks on your skin. You asked her to do it, she did it and now your hair is paying the price and the damage is obvious to you.


ETA: I just realized you do this every 6 weeks and have been doing this for 4 years. What did you think would happen to your hair with that kind of abuse?

[Christine_O]

I don't know if I should even say this, but from the little I can see from your picture, your hair is badly damaged, it doesn't have any real shine at all. There is nothing you can do to restore the health of your current length. I would love to see what your hair looks like natural and healthy.

[lapushka]

I don't know if I should even say this, but from the little I can see from your picture, your hair is badly damaged, it doesn't have any real shine at all. There is nothing you can do to restore the health of your current length. I would love to see what your hair looks like natural and healthy.

I'm glad you spoke up, because I see (maybe it's the style IDK), a lot of shorter bits near the top. Is that the breakage? Because if so... wow... stay away from the bleach, please!

[Isilme]

How did the visit go? Updates? :)
I partly agree with this, although there is no way to restore hair back to its former glory you can do your best to patch up the damage and make it hold together while you grow out fresh hair. Moisture and protein treatments may help. Keep your hair up with snag-free hairtoys, treat it like ancient lace and do regular trims. Stay far, far away from all heat treatments and dyes containing ammonia and/or peroxide.


I don't know if I should even say this, but from the little I can see from your picture, your hair is badly damaged, it doesn't have any real shine at all. There is nothing you can do to restore the health of your current length. I would love to see what your hair looks like natural and healthy.

[Alex Lou]

I understand that saturating your hair with coconut oil before bleaching may protect it to some extent. However, I have no experience with it with such extreme bleaching. Maybe you should go a medium to light blonde for a while instead of platinum. Since you have pinkish skin, I'd think it would look better on you anyway.

[lilin]

I agree with everyone. Using silicones and treatments will make it feel ok, but underneath, the damage is still there. That stuff won't heal your hair. Hair is dead, and cannot be repaired. Treatments just make it smoother and fill in some of the holes to hopefully make it a little more resistant to any further damage. The fact that even with all this treatment, the hair surface is still too mottled to show any shine is a clear indication of how much damage there really is.

The bleach job itself looks good. Very even throughout, even near your roots, where the most recent touch-ups are. I really don't think your stylist is to blame here. The fact that you've kept it this long is a testament to her skill. But ultimately, she isn't a miracle worker. She's just doing what you're asking her to do, and she can't change the fact that it's damaging.

What's happening to you is called a "chemical haircut." It is virtually inevitable for most people who both regularly heat style and heavily bleach their hair. Even celebrities going to best stylists on earth sometimes wind up with a chemical haircut.

There are some people with especially hardy hair who can keep somewhat long hair if they work hard enough, but this simply isn't possible for everyone. I know it certainly wouldn't be for me. It's not for my friend either, who has much tougher hair than me. When she went platinum, she had to keep her hair in a bob to stop it from breaking off.

You've been using heat and bleach on your hair for years. It was going to give out eventually. Most people can't maintain long hair with that much abuse. Everyone I know who treats their hair this way has hair at bob or shorter, and there's a reason for that: any longer and it just starts to break off eventually.

[missmelaniem]

Hey OP no matter what you decide to do... if you want to keep bleaching some of us will be here to support you!

This kind of stuff is what drove me away a LONG time ago. Its her hair, her head. She asked about how to communicate with her hairdresser.

Even though she has been going to this person for years, she says her breakage is at the top, which means something has changed in the way her colorist was applying the bleach. Even the best stylists have off days or "seasons" especially when they are fully/over booked. That would be another option, OP. Just make sure your stylist has time carved out just for you and isnt trying to work in another haircut or color application. :) Knowing that you have another client coming in will make you rush to finish... not good if youre bleaching.

[lapushka]

This kind of stuff is what drove me away a LONG time ago. Its her hair, her head. She asked about how to communicate with her hairdresser.

Yes okay, but realistically... on a long hair forum? What do you expect most of us to say, yes go ahead with bleaching. It *is* damaging and there is *no* doubt about that. If you want to go into that with your eyes open, then by all means, but it's not conducive to long hair.

I had a chemical burn & cut years ago, also due to bleaching, and no... never again.

[LauraAlaina]

^ thank you! we're all just being honest. It's not your hairstylist. Its the lightener and heat styling that is breaking your hair. Maybe she is overlapping but if you want to avoid breakage you should chill out with the lightener and throw away your flat iron, it's as simple as that..

[meteor]

I have heard this saying that might apply here: "If you want to "sin" against your hair, choose one sin only." For example, if you bleach, you can't heat-style. Or if you back-comb or use curling irons and flat irons, don't bleach/dye. Also, some hair is just not strong enough to take even one "sin" and still grow to great lengths...
Basically, lifting multiple levels to platinum blonde is a very tough thing for any hair to handle, but especially since you mention that your hair strands are fine. And I'm afraid root touch-ups every 6 weeks are pretty frequent - it's hard to completely avoid overlapping, and the overlapped spots are the weakest and most prone to breakage in the future. Since hair is dead, damage cannot be reversed, only accumulated.

My suggestions are:
1) If you want to stay platinum blonde and avoid breakage, you probably should avoid all heat-styling: learn heat-free wet-setting hairstyling methods. Check out beautyklove's videos, for example: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4626FAE04F57ED14 And try doing root touch-ups a lot less frequently. :flower:
2) Do protein treatments - e.g. Aphogee 2-step, Joico K-Pak, gelatin treatments (http://science-yhairblog.blogspot.ca/2014/04/gelatin-protein-treatment-recipe-update.html);
3) Avoid all additional damage/weathering: avoid overwashing and excessive combing/grooming (ideally use only a seamless wide-tooth comb), and try putting hair up as much as possible, protecting hair with hats/UV buffs when outside, and sleeping on silky smooth materials (use silk pillowcases/scarves/bonnets);
4) Wash with cool/warm water and use protein-rich conditioners/treatments for chemically processed hair;
5) Use oils, silicones and ceramides. Look into pre-poo oiling (http://science-yhairblog.blogspot.ca/2014/03/oil-pre-shampoo-or-pre-wash.html) and LOC method (leave-in + oil + cream) for sealing in moisture post-wash, reducing porosity and increasing elasticity.
6) Trim away damage as you go.

Also, check out these 2 articles which I think might be of help:
Damaged Hair: Understanding, Preventing & Rehabilitating - http://web.archive.org/web/20120125071723/http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/vbjournal.php?do=article&articleid=79
Managing Elasticity and Porosity in Hair - http://science-yhairblog.blogspot.ca/2014/03/managing-elasticity-and-porosity-in-hair.html

I really hope your hair will feel better soon! :pray: Best of luck and happy growing! :cheer:

[Kaya]

OP, it looks like you've gotten a lot of good advice here. :)

Perhaps if you gave us a better idea of your hair goals, we could offer up more specific suggestions for your situation.

Understand, most LHCers are actively trying to grow their hair out long and healthy. It's hard to achieve those goals when regular bleaching and heat usage are involved. Hence, why much of the advice posted concerns giving up your current habits, and I'm inclined to agree. You need to be able to recognize what the bleach and heat are doing to your hair. They're damaging, plain and simple. It's not necessarily your stylist's fault. It's practically scientifically proven that those sorts of practices damage hair, no matter how healthy it may appear. And as others have mentioned, there's only so much hair can take before it just gives up, even the most hardy hair types will be damaged eventually.

Unfortunately, it sounds like your hair has reached it's limit. It might be time to step back, baby it along with the treatments mentioned throughout this thread and then reassess your situation and hair goals.

[mz_butterfly]

Hey OP no matter what you decide to do... if you want to keep bleaching some of us will be here to support you!

This kind of stuff is what drove me away a LONG time ago. Its her hair, her head. She asked about how to communicate with her hairdresser.

Even though she has been going to this person for years, she says her breakage is at the top, which means something has changed in the way her colorist was applying the bleach. Even the best stylists have off days or "seasons" especially when they are fully/over booked. That would be another option, OP. Just make sure your stylist has time carved out just for you and isnt trying to work in another haircut or color application. :) Knowing that you have another client coming in will make you rush to finish... not good if youre bleaching.

That was "one" of the main questions along with "what are my rights" and "how can it be fixed"?


The truth of the matter is. the hairdresser did not do this, the OP did. She is placing blame where it is not due and to me, asking "what are my rights"? is like asking how can she be compensated for hair loss. (Which was her own doing.) She has no so called "rights". When you ask for someone to abuse your hair with damaging treatments, you cannot blame them for the outcome.

How can it be fixed? Everybody has answered, it's too late for the ruined hair but you can change your ways and stop bleach and heat and your new hair will not be ruined.

Coddling someone or lying to them won't help anyone.

[spidermom]

Hey OP no matter what you decide to do... if you want to keep bleaching some of us will be here to support you!

This kind of stuff is what drove me away a LONG time ago. Its her hair, her head. She asked about how to communicate with her hairdresser.

Even though she has been going to this person for years, she says her breakage is at the top, which means something has changed in the way her colorist was applying the bleach. Even the best stylists have off days or "seasons" especially when they are fully/over booked. That would be another option, OP. Just make sure your stylist has time carved out just for you and isnt trying to work in another haircut or color application. :) Knowing that you have another client coming in will make you rush to finish... not good if youre bleaching.

You might want to re-read the original post again. She didn't only ask how to communicate with her stylist. She asked "what are my rights?" and "how can this be fixed?" All the posts have answered some aspect of those two questions.

[spidermom]

Ah, two with the same thought, I see mz_butterfly; we answered together.

[jeanniet]

Hey OP no matter what you decide to do... if you want to keep bleaching some of us will be here to support you!

This kind of stuff is what drove me away a LONG time ago. Its her hair, her head. She asked about how to communicate with her hairdresser.

Even though she has been going to this person for years, she says her breakage is at the top, which means something has changed in the way her colorist was applying the bleach. Even the best stylists have off days or "seasons" especially when they are fully/over booked. That would be another option, OP. Just make sure your stylist has time carved out just for you and isnt trying to work in another haircut or color application. :) Knowing that you have another client coming in will make you rush to finish... not good if youre bleaching.

There's nothing wrong with bleaching or flat ironing, if that's what you want to do with your hair, but then you also have to accept that there will be damage and you may not be able to accomplish other goals such as growing long. We all choose what we what to do with our hair; we just have to be realistic about what we can and can't have.

What she should communicate to her hairdresser is that she is concerned about the breakdage. But she should also look into ways to mitigate damage as much as possible. What surprises me is that she's not experiencing breakage throughout her hair, because logically speaking the hair at the crown should be the least damaged since it's had the least amount of cumulative damage from the flat iron. So whether the hairdresser actually did do something wrong, I don't know, but I do know that heavy bleaching + flat ironing is not conducive to growing long. It's not a judgment, just a fact.

[Kaelbu]

I think the reason some responses were... shall we say, super realistic... is because this situation and question were posted on a forum who's members most often avoid such situations like the plague. The OP is a member of this forum herself, so I think most assumed she wants her hair long more than she wants it bleached.

There's nothing wrong with bleaching and heat-styling hair. If I were dedicated to a short style, I would probably be doing both. But they really aren't compatible with what this Community is all about: Long Hair.

I know that doesn't really pertain to her questions, but that's all I can think about typing as I come to the end of this thread!
OP, if you want to keep your hair routine, your hair will probably continue getting "snapped", and your stylist can't control it. However, if the color is a high priority, you may enjoy a short cut!

[Ferryl]

I totally agree OP could rock an awesome platinum, heat styled, short cut. However, according to her profile she's at 9'' and has a goal of 20''.

[lilin]

There's nothing wrong with bleaching or flat ironing, if that's what you want to do with your hair, but then you also have to accept that there will be damage and you may not be able to accomplish other goals such as growing long. We all choose what we what to do with our hair; we just have to be realistic about what we can and can't have.

What she should communicate to her hairdresser is that she is concerned about the breakdage. But she should also look into ways to mitigate damage as much as possible. What surprises me is that she's not experiencing breakage throughout her hair, because logically speaking the hair at the crown should be the least damaged since it's had the least amount of cumulative damage from the flat iron. So whether the hairdresser actually did do something wrong, I don't know, but I do know that heavy bleaching + flat ironing is not conducive to growing long. It's not a judgment, just a fact.

If her hair is fine as she says, the breakage being in odd spots could be because of styling.

I had severe damage on the youngest of my hairs, and it was because of how I was styling it. Messy, knotted buns that I combed out aggressively. And the part that got the most knotted was my undergrowth, which was the youngest hair (shortest layer). It didn't matter that this worst exposed hair was the youngest -- some fine hair can't take it.

When I was younger and wore ponytails, I had the most breakage at the crown. This hair is more exposed to weather, and combined with also being the primary hair exposed to the elastic, it can break off in weird places.

In fact, I have always had the most breakage as a result of rough style: always on my crown, or on my undergrowth. My ends sometimes looked better than my mid-length did (I've since stopped using abusive hair styling methods, but the first 24 years of my life, that was the trend).

Likewise, depending on how she wear it, it's entirely possible to get breakage on younger hair more so than older hair. To me, what she is describing sounds very suggestive of using tight elastics in a ponytail. I used to get this too (though not to such an extreme degree, since I didn't bleach).

Touching up every 6 weeks, having ZERO overlap just isn't possible. No colorist is a god. I'm sure there is slight overlap, though it is clearly very minimal since I can't see any demarcation whatsoever. Still, this slight, unavoidable overlap will make the hair more vulnerable. And if you have fine hair and you're using less hair friendly elastics, that can create breakage towards the top of the head.

That said, I agree with your first point: she can obviously do whatever she wants with her hair, and that's perfectly fine. Hell, I love some of the looks people achieve with large amounts of chemical and heat styling. But realistically, doing some things will make it hard to do other things. If you want super bleached and heat styled hair, long may not be possible. It's not a judgement, just a fact that many people's hair can't do both.

[sarahthegemini]

Sorry but your hairdresser did not snap your hair. You've been bleaching regularly for 4 years - this was simply a case of when the first chunk will break off. You can't blame the poor girl for literally doing what wanted. As for damage control - understand that if you don't want further chunks breaking off, you need to stop bleaching. You can't reverse the damage, all you can do is decide whether to baby your hair from now on, I.e. Stop bleaching, stop heat styling etc. Or just be prepared to have chunks missing if you really want to maintain the colour.

[nakima]

I was told years ago that coloring the roots only over time would eventually cause breakage right below the area being colored. I never was one to color every 4 to 6 weeks and your right she does have to over lap a little and that would cause a lot of damage to that part of your hair. I also would suggest letting it grow out natural for a while and deep condition. just take really good care of your hair. I only die my hair about every 7 months or so and I do it all but now the bottom hair keeps splitting and I was loosing length so now I'm going all natural and taking care of my ends as not to cause any more damage.I'm at tbl now and it will 8 months at least until I reach classic and I should have reached it several months ago. So I guess I'm just saying stop the dyeing and baby your hair for a while. Take the advise of others here they really know what their talking about :) good luck it will be ok!

[hopefullocks]

Hi OP, I'm really sorry you're having a hard time with your hair. I have never bleached mine, but I do know from experience that styling can definitely take its toll over time - for me, it was the straightening iron. Eventually I had to come to terms with the fact that my hair just couldn't handle all that abuse. I cut to pixie, told my stylist she wouldn't see me for a while, and started wearing it up to hide the monstrosity.

Everyone's hair is so different and incurred damages vary from head to head. A good friend of mine bleached and heat styled her hair religiously, and a couple of months ago all of the damage caught up with her; her hair turned plastic-like and began snapping and she had no choice but to cut it and start over. It sounds like you're going to have to pick your poison in this predicament, but either way, I'm sure you'll be beautiful.