Excessive shedding, snapping hair - too much protein?

[JenniferNoel]

Over the past several months, my F/M strands would stretch before breaking, but now, I did a strand test and instead of stretching, the strand quickly snapped, making an extremely loud popping sound (which kinda echoed throughout the bathroom :crazyq:). Also, my shedding has mysteriously tripled over the past several days.

I'm thinking perhaps a protein overload? I use main n' tail products (the original, and every once and a great while, the deep moisture, both the poo and the conditioner), which I noticed contain quite a bit of protein. Could this be the culprit?

I'm also noticing a few more split ends than usual. Note - I put my hair in a silk scarf every night, wear it up during the day as usual, wash every third to fourth day, and use a little bit of manic panic every couple months (which my hair seems to love).

I haven't changed my diet, sleeping patterns, daily activities, or stress level, if not, all of the above has improved.

Any ideas?

[Fractalsofhair]

Try a deep moisture treatment and go light on the protein. I've never gotten buildup of protein, but I know a lot of people do.

[JenniferNoel]

Try a deep moisture treatment and go light on the protein. I've never gotten buildup of protein, but I know a lot of people do.

Alright then. Common sense. :run:

[Speckla]

Too much protein can block moisture and make hair brittle and prone to snap.

[christine1989]

Thats very odd....I have no idea what the cause could be but taking biotin helped emensely with my shedding. After taking it I shed virtually no hair even when I wash my hair with sulfate shampoos.

[coscass]

Sounds like my hair when I have a protein overload, honestly. I'd do what Fractalsofhair said =) When in doubt, I think everyone's first thought should be 1) clarify and 2)DT lol

[LadyVictoria]

I used Mane 'N Tail S&C for awhile. I loved it at first, my hair felt so soft, then after a couple of months my hair took a serious turn. Super dry, breakage, split ends and overall unhealthy looking. I learned that my fine tresses can NOT handle that much protein. This stuff almost ruined my hair & I had to trim 2" off of my severely damaged ends. Clarify and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! After dropping the proteins, my hair looks and feel so muh better. I hope this helps, good luck.

[BonnyJ]

May I ask what is manic panic?
Thanks

[JenniferNoel]

May I ask what is manic panic?
Thanks

It's a safe, temporary hair dye that comes in funky bright colors. :D

And thanks everyone. I appreciate the answers!