How do I grow out wavy easily broken fine hair?

[julialynn]

Hi, I have been trying to grow my hair long ever since I was seventeen. I am 37 now. I have fine 2a wavy hair that is full of splits and little pieces break off every time I brush it. I am trying to decide whether to just chop it off and start over or what. I have it to almost bra strap length and it won't ever go past that not because it does not grow but because I always get little pieces breaking off from an inch to half an inch and splits under that.

I don't use any heat and just air dry. I don't chemically do anything to it. It grows because I have to cut my bangs all the time. I have been treating it the same for the last ten years. I was using a boar brush but switched to a plastic one with balls on the end. My hair got worse and now I am back to boar brush. I only wash it every three days and don't scrub it or rub it badly. The only thing I can think off that is left to try is to moisturize it and start buying sulfate free shampoo. I have never diligently done those two things. I always give up and start buying just any shampoo.

There are spots under my neck where the hair is way shorter and on top of my head just from breakage. I am thinking that if I chop it all off the same length maybe it will stop tangeling on itself and making more splits. I don't want to do it though if my hair just gets more splits. I tried regular trims for years and my hair would just Instantly split again. I also gave up and tried not trimming it for years. I am thinking maybe if I learn how to moisturize it first then chop it maybe I can finally get it to grow.

Can any of you help me figure this out? And do you think I should chop it off and try again or am I just stuck with hair that breaks and splits and it will just do it again? Is it a moisture problem? I hate to cut it short just to end up with it short with splits. Thank you.

[julialynn]

Oh also I would have to cut it to above chin length to get all the splits. I could layer it and slowly grow out layers or chop shirt. Which do you think would be better?

[Chocowalnut]

Do you wear your hair down a lot? This can cause mechanical damage. How long is your hair currently? Have you used heat/dyes in the past? If so the damage will remain until it's cut off. Sorry you're having this problem. I'll be watching this thread too, I also have really fine hair that breaks/splits easily.

[missrandie]

How do you wear your hair? Up or down? What do you use to style it? Wearing your hair in a protective updo such as a stick or fork bun can go a long way towards shielding the ends from damage.

Also, do you have straps, collars, chair backs, seats, or pillows that catch your hair and rub on it? A silk scarf and satin/silk pillowcase may help a lot!

Also, many say to just use a seamless wide tooth comb for fragile hair, as a bbb can be too rough, as can ball ended brushes. I personally use an Eternally in Amber wide tooth comb, and for brushing I have a wooden bristled Widu brush.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

Do you pile it all on top of your head when you wash it and do you rub it with a towel to dry it? Doing those things can cause a lot, A LOT of damage.

[julialynn]

Thank you I am reading your tips and will be trying them all. I wear it down mostly or a ponytail. I don't pile it up when washing I brush when dry before washing and just leave it straight down. I don't comb it wet I just let it air dry wavy and then it usually is not very tangely so I brush it when it is dry. I hate combing it because it just keeps tangling even after it is combed through and just really pulls on it. I usually scrunch with towel and hands to make it more wavy. I just let it air dry. I don't use any leave in products. I have not used chemicals in over six years and before that I just did highlights once. My husband trimmed it bluntly three times last year. Last time I let him take of three inches. The ends where so nice feeling but it only lasted a few weeks. My hair is just above bra strap length. I do wear it down a lot and it gets tangled on my coat collars and makes a rat nest. I usually try to pull it forward when I wear coats or sometimes I braid it. Would the towel scrunching be too harsh?

[Addy]

I would start by getting rid of the brushes and going with a wide tooth comb.

[moontree]

I have prone-to-breaking wavy hair and when I used a brush with ball tips it was very snap crackle pop... lots of broken hair. BBB I only use every once in a while, as it too can be a little harsh. I use a WIDE toothed comb, and alternate wearing my hair down with wearing it up with buns, clips, and braids - putting it up really helps prevent splits and tangling and reduces the number of times a week i need to fully comb it. Since changing my routine this way I have had a ton less breakage.

Also, I wash my hair 1-2 times a week, and only wash the scalp with shampoo after conditioning the length... sometimes I use a gentle leave in conditioner. All has been helpful!

[MsPharaohMoan]

Do you detangle before boar bristle brushing?

[julialynn]

OK ditch the brush and get a good comb. I hate combing it because it pulls so much and feels so damaging but I am willing to try anything. I am too so desperate I am willing to chop it phase. I will also try to start pulling it up more. What do I use to pull it up with that is safest?

[julialynn]

I usually don't have to detangle before brushing it usually brushes easily.

[missrandie]

Thank you I am reading your tips and will be trying them all. I wear it down mostly or a ponytail. I don't pile it up when washing I brush when dry before washing and just leave it straight down. I don't comb it wet I just let it air dry wavy and then it usually is not very tangely so I brush it when it is dry. I hate combing it because it just keeps tangling even after it is combed through and just really pulls on it. I usually scrunch with towel and hands to make it more wavy. I just let it air dry. I don't use any leave in products. I have not used chemicals in over six years and before that I just did highlights once. My husband trimmed it bluntly three times last year. Last time I let him take of three inches. The ends where so nice feeling but it only lasted a few weeks. My hair is just above bra strap length. I do wear it down a lot and it gets tangled on my coat collars and makes a rat nest. I usually try to pull it forward when I wear coats or sometimes I braid it. Would the towel scrunching be too harsh?

Definitely start wearing it up more, and avoid the pony tails. The nesting on the coat collars is part of your problem on tje underside, especially since your hair is fragile anyway. I combat the coat collard by wearing a smooth silk scarf around my neck-that way, my hair only comes in contact with the silk. Btw, I have found most of my silk scarves at Goodwill and Salvation Army for a couple dollars a piece.

A proper wide tooth comb without seams shouldn't pull on your hair. Also remember to comb starting at the bottom and work your way up.

I really feel that your brush may be too harsh for your hair type.

Scrunching shouldnt be too harsh, but if it involves any rubbing then yes. Too harsh.

ETA just saw your posts:

Start looking into hair sticks and hair forks. There are tutorials as to how to use them, as well as tutorials on how to make your own if you are so inclined.

[pailin]

Regarding the breakage, it's quite normal that the hair at your nape does not grow very long. So some of what you think is breakage may not be.
At the top of your head, it's entirely possible that some of the short stuff that sticks up is also not breakage. We have new hairs growing all the time, so you will always have some little ones sticking out all over. On my fine wavy flyaway hair, these are so annoying because they just do what they want to and stick out everywhere. But they're not breakage. I wouldn't be surprised if at least some of what you are thinking is breakage here is not breakage either.
So, unless really really want a chin length bob, I wouldn't chop it. Try babying it. Updos or braids, an being aware of it when you wear it down, to keep it away from straps and any other sources of mechanical damage.
You might try a leave in conditioner to give it some weight and manageability, as well as extra moisture. Maybe try occasional protein treatments for breakage.
And try using just a comb- wide tooth with no seams would be best. The brush, even a bbb, really could be breaking your hair.
Also, silicones are probably your friend, making it easier to detangle. But you may need to clarify occasionally for buildup.

[julialynn]

Thank you so much. OK so far I got wide tooth comb no seams and no brush. Wear it up with hair sticks or forks. I will check out those tutorials. Silk scarves over my collars that is a great idea and I will try that. Use conditioner on the ends before I shampoo.

The breakage is more than normal. It looks like I have a shoulder length layer chopped under my hair and a chin length layer on top, all from breakage. I am still unsure if I should chop or not. The way may hair behaves it seems the more blunt cut it is the less it gets tangled and breaks. I can't stand the thought of going chin length though.

What about protein treatments, moisture treatments, and products? I just started using a sulfate free shampoo and apple cider vinegar rinse.

[Wildcat Diva]

You can look into the science-y hair blog's gelatin protein treatment and on our site the SMT thread.

I say also no brushy brushy and wear hair up. Finger comb more. How about a silk sleep cap or pillowcase? I have a high bun and my sleep cap on now. What?, it's a hot look.

[pailin]

If you don't want to chop to chin length you could try microtrimming- cut it yourself once a month or so, but only by a quarter to half an inch. I think there's a micro trimming thread around here somewhere, you might find that helpful. That way, over time you'd still cut out the damage, keep your ends fresh, but not have to chop it.

[Silverbrumby]

Brushing is harsh on hair that is fragile anyway. Someone once said your hair is like lace, every contact with it wears it out. Some people have terrific strong hair which can take a beating. Others not so much. I'd get a top quality wooden brush with wide teeth if you have to brush it. As far as products go I use Argan oil on my ends and let it soak in before washing. Get a satin pillow slip. Wear your hair in a protected style at night. Take biotin 1000mcg if you also have brittle nails. It helped my hair with splits. If you do take it, it will be a long time before you can tell if it's strengthened the hair enough to make the ends less fragile.

[turtlelover]

Is it possible that your water quality is an issue? Some hair reacts very poorly to very hard or over chlorinated water. That might be something to consider.

[MeAndTheMaz]

Also, I notice that you let Mr. julialynn trim your hair. If you're just grabbing a beat up pair of scissors out of the kitchen drawer and hacking away at your hair, you're probably doing the damage yourself. You should get a sharp pair of hair shears and only use them for cutting hair. Dull scissors are bad news.

[Idreamlong]

Personally, I wouldn't cut to chin.

I would buy a new, sharp pair of hair dressing scissors and cut 2 inches off. From that point on I would, once a week or once every 2 weeks put something like Joico K-Pak Deep Penetrating Reconstructor on your hair and follow it immediately after with Joico Intense Hydration conditioner (or another moisturising conditioner) I would give yourself a challenge of wearing your hair up for 3-4 days a week, in protective buns.

I would buy a decent, wide tooth comb and only use that. I would moisturise or oil the ends every day.

I think all of the above should help to reduce the breakage in your hair.

[spidermom]

I agree with comb, not brush. Good call. Brushes make my wavy hair look bushy; comb is better.
Also new hair cutting scissors. It is best for your ends to use very sharp scissors.
Get a set of hair sticks or a fork, go to YouTube, and learn how to put your hair up with them.
Just get small trims. Those broken off hairs will grow out.

I think that towels are too rough for hair. I don't even wrap my hair with a towel (unless there's no other choice). I use either a soft Tshirt or flannel pillowcase on my hair.

Oh, and you can find information online about how to determine if your hair needs protein, moisture, or both. You can make a moisture treatment yourself by mixing 1 part conditioner with 1/2 part aloe vera gel and 1/2 part honey. This is called SMT and is very popular around here. I like the Joico KPak treatment. I prefer to buy a treatment rather than make one because the consistency is usually better.

[xZx]

I'm new here, but your hair sounds exactly like mine was a couple of years ago! My hair still isn't super long, but it's mid back length and way healthier than it used to be, with hardly any breakage compared to what I used to have...and I'm hoping I can now grow it longer, even though it's super fine :D

My big change was basically going from working in an office where I had it in a pony tail or down all day, to being self-employed at a craft where I have to keep my hair in a constant bun to keep it away from fire, pointy objects and rotary tools.

Apart from that, I usually sleep with in in a braid, I try not to wash it more than a couple of times a week and if the ends are looking dry I stick some coconut oil on it - but I'd already noticed a change in my hair before starting any of those things just from the buns.

I suppose I didn't realise until I did it routinely just how much better my hair did when it was protected all day, it was a honestly a surprise as I had kind of given up on really long hair, but I guess there's no substitute for just preventing damage in the first place.

[julialynn]

My water is well water and it is too salty to drink. It may be hard I don't know what to do about that. My scissors I got from Sally's years ago and I do only use for hair. They where just a pair of hair scissors should that be OK?
So it sounds like the brushing is the main thing. My hair doesn't just split it has white dots above each split at about an inch to half an inch. When you pull on the hair it breaks off at that dot and instantly makes a new split. That is why I can't do microtrims it doesn't get the damage. Do you think the brush would cause that?
Thank you for all these suggestions I am gonna try them all and they are like gold to me.
What about a name of a good shampoo conditioner for my hair type. Also what is a good leave in moisturizer?
I wore my hair up today with a twist and just put one of those claw clips in it. I am gonna work on finding a good comb. I think I am gonna work on getting my hair in shape then do the two inches so it doesn't just instantly split and break again. I like the two inch idea. Maybe I can just cut out the splits in the top broken layer.

[hanne jensen]

All of the above advice. Also, avoid elastics and bearclaws at all costs. They give pressure damage and can break your hair. If your hair is as delicate as mine, never, ever, ever twist your hair. Ever. Twisting the hair will cause breakage at about eye leve. Been there, done that.

[lapushka]

Try and S&D, this is "search & destroy". You search for, and cut off individual splits - if there aren't too many. If, however, half or more of your hair is riddled in white dots or splits, then a trim is better to do. No need to cut it all off, though, a few inches, I'm sure, will do.

Also, what brush are you using? It is better to detangle with a wide tooth comb first, then use a brush. The Tangle Teezer is all I use and I have been happy with that brush for now... years.

If you are talking about wispies, we all have those all around our heads. This is normal. As long as it's not huge "chunks" of hair.

[Agnes Hannah]

I second everything mentioned here, you have been given some really good advice. It may be an idea to check your diet too as that has an impact on hair growth and strength. I have very very fine hair, it used to split but since I have taken better care of it I have grown to BCL now. I did this by using Lapushka's WCC method (Wash, Condish and Condish again). If I haven't got condish for the second dose, I use oil on the ends instead. Argan or mineral oil works well for me. At night, I plait it and put it into a silk sleepcap. It is up every single day in a ficcare, claw, fork or stick of some description. And as for brushes, they are anathema to my hair, combs only!!! I have one for detangling starting from the bottom upwards, and another for styling etc. I use a hair wrap to dry it with, but never rub it! You said you have 2a hair, so there is some curl there, it may be worthwhile looking at the curly girls threads for some more ideas there too. Don't give up! Good luckx

[TaraDanina]

It sounds like you're taking good care of it overall, although all these suggestions would probably be of some benefit. Have you looked at your diet, or tried hair/skin/nails supplements at all?
My sister has similar hair to what you described, and I used to, more or less. I ditched sulfates, invest in good h/s/n vitamins, eat more protein than I used to, and might have messed up my credit score buying conditioner, but, hey no split ends now!

[Anje]

You've gotten a lot of good advice. But as someone else with fine hair, I have to add that the single most important thing for me to grow out my hair was to slow down and stop breaking it when I brushed or combed. Don't rip through the tangles -- stop and work them out with your fingers if necessary. Start at the bottom few inches of hair, and when there aren't tangles in that, go up a few inches and comb to the bottom. Repeat til everything's detangled. (This gets a lot better too -- as the damage and stretched, kinked hairs get cut out and you're left with gently-treated hair, it isn't quite as prone to tangling in the first place.)

My hair-detangling weapon of choice is a brush called a Tangle Teezer. (Sally Beauty carries them, in the US.) It's plastic, gentler on my hair than a BBB or ball-ended brush with soft plastic bristles, and it makes a racket whenever I encounter a snarl. It's pretty good at working through these in most hair, but mine's a bit more fragile than that, so I use the noise as an indication that a spot needs me to actually pick out a tangle with my fingertips. ETA: I also recently bought an Eternally In Amber comb and I like it a lot. If you're looking for a good quality seamless comb, they're a nice choice.

The second most important thing for me to grow my hair long was to put it in styles that contain and protect it, so it doesn't get friction or tangles in the first place. Braids (pulled over the shoulder so they don't get rubbed by the chair back when I'm sitting) and buns are my usual fare.

[Annalouise]

My water is well water and it is too salty to drink. It may be hard I don't know what to do about that. My scissors I got from Sally's years ago and I do only use for hair. They where just a pair of hair scissors should that be OK?
So it sounds like the brushing is the main thing. My hair doesn't just split it has white dots above each split at about an inch to half an inch. When you pull on the hair it breaks off at that dot and instantly makes a new split. That is why I can't do microtrims it doesn't get the damage. Do you think the brush would cause that?
Thank you for all these suggestions I am gonna try them all and they are like gold to me.
What about a name of a good shampoo conditioner for my hair type. Also what is a good leave in moisturizer?
I wore my hair up today with a twist and just put one of those claw clips in it. I am gonna work on finding a good comb. I think I am gonna work on getting my hair in shape then do the two inches so it doesn't just instantly split and break again. I like the two inch idea. Maybe I can just cut out the splits in the top broken layer.

This is my guess, but I think that the shampoos you have been using are drying out your hair so that by the time your hair is a couple years old its pretty much destroyed. I really think you need to get the right products for your hair. It wouldn't even be a bad idea to go to a good salon and have them recommend a shampoo and conditioner for you. Brushing with a bbb is fine in my opinion, that is not what is drying out your hair. You have to address the issue of dry/damaged hair. Lots of people with very long hair use a bbb. But they usually (not me because I don't have extreme lengths) use a shampoo that is not drying, and a conditioner that keeps moisture in the hair and prevents tangling. Also, I would also take a hair vitamin if I was you because you might be lacking in some vitamin or mineral. And omega 3 fish oil capsules are good for the hair if you eat fish. If not flax seed oil or some other omega 3.:toast: You'll get there, don't chop it off yet ok. Don't cut your hair off until you've tried everything.


All of the above advice. Also, avoid elastics and bearclaws at all costs. They give pressure damage and can break your hair. If your hair is as delicate as mine, never, ever, ever twist your hair. Ever. Twisting the hair will cause breakage at about eye leve. Been there, done that.

Wow, that is something I've never heard before: don't "twist" the hair. That makes sense to me because when I twist my hair it doesn't break, but it increases the tangles like crazy. I think that is good advise not to twist the hair.:D

[AmyBeth]

Coconut oil can help fortify hair against breakage and might be worth a try. Try leaving a heavier amount on the night before you was, and a very tiny application post wash. And by all means, protective updos.

[Silverbrumby]

Read up on conditioning treatments as well. Beware of oil or too much. It locks moisture out as well as in and can build up. Coconut oil was a disaster for me. No oil on my scalp either. I'd get a good leave in conditioner as well.

1. Trim first
2. Deep moisture treatment (great ideas here but an easy fix is get one at the pharmacy that is sulphate free)
3. Get sulfate free shampoo and conditioner and Wash, condition, condition (WCC)
4. Look into getting a shower head which will filter out hard minerals (amazon?)
5. Silk or satin pillow slip
6. No brushing if possible and then bun it with leave in conditioner on ends.

If you just trim, deep moisture then damp bun and see what it's like you might find it's not so bad.

It's going to take a while to fix this so I think cutting it way back now would be bad until you figure out better ways of washing, conditioning and treating the hair after.

[lapushka]

You've gotten a lot of good advice. But as someone else with fine hair, I have to add that the single most important thing for me to grow out my hair was to slow down and stop breaking it when I brushed or combed. Don't rip through the tangles -- stop and work them out with your fingers if necessary. Start at the bottom few inches of hair, and when there aren't tangles in that, go up a few inches and comb to the bottom. Repeat til everything's detangled. (This gets a lot better too -- as the damage and stretched, kinked hairs get cut out and you're left with gently-treated hair, it isn't quite as prone to tangling in the first place.)

My hair-detangling weapon of choice is a brush called a Tangle Teezer. (Sally Beauty carries them, in the US.) It's plastic, gentler on my hair than a BBB or ball-ended brush with soft plastic bristles, and it makes a racket whenever I encounter a snarl. It's pretty good at working through these in most hair, but mine's a bit more fragile than that, so I use the noise as an indication that a spot needs me to actually pick out a tangle with my fingertips. ETA: I also recently bought an Eternally In Amber comb and I like it a lot. If you're looking for a good quality seamless comb, they're a nice choice.

The second most important thing for me to grow my hair long was to put it in styles that contain and protect it, so it doesn't get friction or tangles in the first place. Braids (pulled over the shoulder so they don't get rubbed by the chair back when I'm sitting) and buns are my usual fare.

Very good advice. I have F hair as well, and combing with a wide tooth comb the way Anje described, and using a Tangle Teezer has saved my F hair. I am classic length now and still growing hair.

[spidermom]

My favorite leave-in conditioner right now is a spray by Redken called One Union (25 Benefits). It's pricey but worth it (so far). There are a lot of leave-in conditioners on the market. You can find them anywhere you buy shampoo and conditioner.

I find that the shampoo I use doesn't make much of a difference because I dilute it in about 4 times as much water in a bottle with a pointed tip. I then run that tip in stripes all over my scalp following the way my hair is flowing. Sometimes I wash standing up straight, sometimes bent forward. What makes a difference is the conditioner but only to the extent that if it doesn't condition well enough, I condition twice or use more leave-in conditioner.

I would try to do something to counteract the salty well water. Perhaps you can collect rain water for the final rinse when you wash your hair or buy distilled water. I wouldn't want to leave salt in my hair. I think that is probably what is drying your hair out. Long ago my grandmother would only wash her hair with rain water. If the rain barrel were empty, she didn't wash her hair. That was kind of gross to me because sometimes I could smell her greasy head, but I understand now why she did that. This only works if it isn't heavily polluted where you live, or course. There may also be a filter you could buy.

[hairandtherian]

Hi, I have fragile fine hair too, maybe it's a bit stronger than yours since mine stalls out a little above my waist. However I haven't worn a ponytail in many years and I feel like even with the less damaging elastics, that's how a lot of hair breakage happens (someone correct me if they know I'm wrong!)

I've only been working hard (mostly meaning reading a ton!) on making my hair better for a couple of months, but I did switch to sulfate-free shampoo over 2 years ago. I use Bed Head Superstar which is not available in drugstores. I love it because it gives my very flat hair a bit of volume on the scalp--that may make it wrong for you. I've also used a L-Oreal sulfate free which was OK (but didn't give me that lift)

I learned on here about chelating to get mineral buildup off my hair (by the way new Joico Clarifying is the same as the old Joico that said Chelating--I called Joico) and learned about the moisture and protein balance of hair, which is so important and I wonder why I never heard of it until I was 40-something! I had been applying coconut oil to the ends which was nice at first, but coconut oil preserves protein which meant it got crunchy(er), and all of my hair really needed a ton of moisture.

I think this is a super post about different buildups and what to do:
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=15746
It includes the instructions for chelating then conditioning that I followed. I'm considering getting a showerhead that removes minerals--or I need to start doing an acidic rinse.

Right now I'm using cheap protein-free and silicone-free conditioners like Suave and V05 Tea Therapy. I do CWC. I also just got the generic version of a conditioner mentioned in the post I linked, it's: "Generic Value Products Conditioning Balm Compare To Matrix Biolage Conditioning Balm" from Sally Beauty supply. I've used it once and loved it, both as a rinsed conditioner and then adding it to the ends.

I also have tried the Rinse-Out Oil method once, and my hair was amazingly tangle-free as it dried. I will be doing it again!

Like you I have a ton of split ends and dots. I read that velcro hair ends feel better whenever we get a trim, so unless we're going to cut off all the inches to get to good hair, it's better to do the small trims really frequently. I used to get my husband to do my trims too, but it's always a hassle. I decided to let go of having a perfectly straight line and trim it myself and it actually still looks ok!

I've been doing a TON of search and destroy and that has made even more difference to the bottom texture of my hair--I have splits more than an inch into my hair, and multiple splits along one hair, no wonder it was like velcro.

I hope some of that info helps you. Reading others' responses to your post helped me; it has me further suspecting that twisting my hair was breaking it, I do seem to have too many hair ends at eye level. I don't know how else to put it up though! More reading for me.

[julialynn]

OK I am going to eliminate the twist. That may be the cause of my broken off eye level layer. I am going to check out these products. I definitely think I need to address my product usage and moisture level before I trim my hair. I just tried coconut oil the other day now I understand why my hair felt drier after use. Here is a picture to show you my breakage issue. <a href="http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/julialynn1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160113_101836_179_zpsroqla3nd.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w406/julialynn1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160113_101836_179_zpsroqla3nd.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_20160113_101836_179_zpsroqla3nd.jpg"/></a>
<a href="http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/julialynn1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160113_101726_668_zps2rpsk412.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w406/julialynn1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160113_101726_668_zps2rpsk412.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_20160113_101726_668_zps2rpsk412.jpg"/></a>

[spidermom]

To share a photo, you need to copy and past the bottom line of code that says img

[julialynn]

http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w406/julialynn1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160113_101726_668_zps2rpsk412.jpg (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/julialynn1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160113_101726_668_zps2rpsk412.jpg.html)
http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w406/julialynn1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160113_101836_179_zpsroqla3nd.jpg (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/julialynn1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160113_101836_179_zpsroqla3nd.jpg.html)

[slynr]

That's my hair!!! I just s&d the short bits.

[lapushka]

Looks good as far as I can tell. And long already too! :)

[MissBiss]

It sounds like you're taking good care of it overall, although all these suggestions would probably be of some benefit. Have you looked at your diet, or tried hair/skin/nails supplements at all?
My sister has similar hair to what you described, and I used to, more or less. I ditched sulfates, invest in good h/s/n vitamins, eat more protein than I used to, and might have messed up my credit score buying conditioner, but, hey no split ends now!Don't overlook the impact of diet on hair growth and "quality". Make sure you are getting enough protein and that you're not anemic. Certain medications can weaken hair so if you have a chronic illness look into how you could counter the effects of any medication.

[julialynn]

So here is a recap of all your suggestions. Thank you all so much for your help. I am going to start trying all these things and come back and post how it goes.


Detangling
Seamless wide tooth comb
Slow down when combing or brushing
Use fingers to detangle start from bottom work your way up
Styling
Put in a protective up do
Stick or fork bun
Challenge wear hair up in protective buns
Bun it with leave in conditioner
Avoid elastics, claws, and ponytails
Twisting hair can cause breakage
Protective measures
Silk scarves on collars
Silk pillowcases
Washing
Use sulfate free shampoo
Shower head that filters out minerals
Dilute shampoo
Wash 1-2 times per week
Condition or oil length before shampooing
Shampoo just the scalp
Silicones good but clarify occasionally
Lapushka method wash, cond, and cond again
Go to salon have them reccomend products for my hair type
Rain water or distilled water
Don't rub with towel
Hair wrap, t shirt, or flannel for gentler drying
Moisture/protein
Moisturize or oil ends daily
Use a leave in moisturizer
Coconut oil can help with breakage but someone says it attracts protein
Beware some oil can lock moisture out
Ocassional protein treatment for breakage
Cutting
Sharp haircutting scissors only used for hair
Microtrims or S&D
If hair is riddled with split ends and white dots then a few inch trim is better
Diet
Eat more protein
1000 MCG biotin
Omega 3 fish oils
Get hair skin and nail vitamins

[TaraDanina]

Yes, MissBliss, precisely! I mentioned my sister's hair is like this, and I am convinced it is because of her diet. She is vegetarian but does not eat nuts, or seeds, or chickpeas or lentils, or whole grains, and is really picky eater when it comes to her vegetables too. She uses incredibly good, expensive products for her hair and even takes HSN...meanwhile, I have trich and my hair is thicker and healthier than hers these days. But when I was vegetarian and counting calories, it would always break!

[julialynn]

Would the wooden brush with wooden bristles be the same as a wide toothed comb?

[diddiedaisy]

Hi, sounds like you have the same kind of hair as me. I try my best to look after my hair, I only use a wide toothed comb, no heat, coconut oil, I wear it up a lot, and all the other suggestions other members have suggested. I just think that with this type of hair you just have to be extra vigilant. I still have problems despite looking after it.

As to the various layers in your hair, do you check your sheds for signs of breakage? The vast majority of my short hairs that shed are undamaged, they have a light taper to the end with no splits. I have an underlayer like you that is just about apl, a top layer that is shoulder/cbl level, and another layer that is about 4 inches long. In my case after scrutinizing it for 2 years, I have come to the conclusion that some sections just grow much slower than the rest. I also suspect that some of my hair has a shorter terminal growth. It has taken my underlayer over a year to grow from shoulder to apl, and the layer that is shoulder/cbl has lived with me for a long time and I reckon is here to stay!!!

I suggest that you check your sheds then you decide if it is all breakage, and I would recommend that you regularly micro trim to both get rid of damage and let the layers try and catch up.

Good luck :)

[Swan Maiden]

Forgive me if already mentioned, but that breakage looks eyeglass level. Perhaps observe any actions or occasion from your glasses that might facilitate damage. :blossom:

[Jo Ann]

I'd also be keeping an eye on the filter for your well water...if possible, check the manufacturer's instructions (or get the manufacturer's instructions online) and see how often your filter should be changed--might be cheaper than investing in a desalination system (if you don't already have one).

I had similar problems, but found a washing routine (WCC here, also--thanks, Lapushka!) and my-type-of-hair-friendly products that help tremendously! Bunning has been a lifesaver!

Have you tried to swing your hair to the opposite side of your seatbelt? That was a REAL lifesaver for me when I wear my hair down. I also haven't carried a purse for years (that's what pockets and glove boxes are for :D ) and avoid carrying anything on my shoulder whenever possible.

[Jo Ann]

Forgive me if already mentioned, but that breakage looks eyeglass level. Perhaps observe any actions or occasion from your glasses that might facilitate damage. :blossom:

Definitely! That's where bunning has come in SO handy! When my hair's down, the very front pieces constantly get caught in my frames :(

[Entangled]

That's a lot of advice you've got there. My suggestion is this:go one at a time. I'd try detangling more gently and slowly first, as that never hurt anyone's hair. Use that in conjunction with a few steps. First look at shampoo and conditioner. Look into what detangling tool you want. Then check on things like water. Make sure you're in good health. Then look into sleeping caps or pillowcases. In any order, try wearing you hair up. It'll take practice to learn new ways to put it up. I wish you the best of luck.

[lapushka]

Would the wooden brush with wooden bristles be the same as a wide toothed comb?

Nope. A brush is *never* the same as a comb. When detangling, always use a WT comb to detangle, *then* when the tangles are out, use a brush to go through. Brushes tend to rip through tangles (not the Tangle Teezer, but that is an exception to the rule).