Hair Help!?

Question

I have medium-long, thick, very dry hair. It's full of broken ends and fly-aways and little pieces that stick out. Over the past few weeks, I've been trying to fix this by washing it with a shampoo/conditioner combo and using an extra conditioner as well, combing it (not brushing it wet because I read that causes breakage), applying silk drops (while wet and dry), and drying it while combing it.

Should I just keep doing this and see if it repairs itself (it's gotten a bit better, but the progress seems to have reached its plateau) or is there something I should be doing differently?

Please help!

Answer 1

^.^
...you cannot FIX split ends babe thay must go!...
Split ends occur when your hair's cuticle wears down. Then it's a done deal ‑- you can't repair them. All you can do is tame them or trim them and vow to treat your hair better next time. Not surprisingly, though, no one seems willing to skip the routines that create split ends: coloring, straightening and daily massacres with the blow-dryer. Since we're more or less forced to live with them, what's a hairstyling woman to do? Here's what the experts advise.

To Prevent Split Ends


Hair is more delicate and vulnerable to splitting when it's wet, so never brush wet hair. Gently comb it with a wide-tooth comb.
Don't brush too vigorously, as tension caused by brushing promotes splitting. Instead, brush gently from crown to ends using a soft-bristled brush.
Because the intense heat of blow-dryers and irons encourages split ends by drying the hair's cuticle, you should consider limiting your usage, or investing in an 'ionic' hair appliance like those made by Beautymax (BeautymaxUSA.com). These machines utilize electronically charged particles (ions) that bond to damp hair cells, locking in moisture.
Sleep with silk or satin pillowcases because the smooth surface on your pillow will minimize tangling, which can lead to split ends.
If you highlight or color your hair, you've got to be even more careful, as the chemicals cause the hair to become weaker, thus more prone to splits. Choose a product formulated for color-treated hair, such as Frederic Fekkai's Technician Shampoo for Dry, Damaged and Color-Treated Hair (available at Sephora.com).
Wait at least two weeks between chemical treatments such as perming and coloring, which, when used one after the other, can be extremely damaging to hair.

...I googled that although one fact I didn't see was this...if you dont cut the split end off it will split all the way up your head which will make all your hair look funky instead of just the ends...

...here's info from another site and alot of te information colaborates with the above advice...

STEP 1: Take care not to split them in the first place, because the only cure is a trim, according to trichologists (hair doctors) everywhere.
STEP 2: Don't brush hair when it's wet, because that's when it is at its most vulnerable. STEP 3: Cool it on the heat styling tricks. That means cut down on hair dryers, straightening irons, crimpers, curling irons and hot curlers.
STEP 4: Buy a natural-bristle brush that won't pull on hair and ultimately break it off, thereby causing a possible split end.
STEP 5: Wear a hat to minimize sun damage.
STEP 6: Use a shampoo that lists sunscreen as a major ingredient.
STEP 7: Condition after shampooing, and use a deep conditioner once a month.
STEP 8: Try a hair split repair product. It won't actually repair the hair, but it will minimize the stray hair look you hate.
STEP 9: Get a trim every six weeks. Tips & Warnings
Treat your hair as the fragile living thing it is; don't twirl, tug or abuse it.
A satin pillow case will minimize tangles.
Always use coated or covered rubber bands.
When you swim, wear a swim cap to protect your hair from harsh chlorine.
Learning preventative care is a must.
Too many products, treatments and fussy hairdos won't do your hair any good. Overdying and drying it are the main culprits.

Answer 2

K I'll tell you what I did and do because it works for me. It might not for you but it sounds like your willing to give anything a try.

about a year ago I put highlights in my hair. And my hair got really dry. It was real long down the middle of my back. So what I found out from different salons (I moved a lot) was to try this:

Start with a cut if you dont want do cut it real short like I did then try for about 4 or 5 inches this gets the split ends and get s just about all of them. Then invest in a better shampoo dont use cheap ones try aveeda or even biolage. It's a bit pricey but it works. And rather then shampooing everyday dont. Try to shampoo every other day or every 2 days. It sounds gross but what you can do is on the days you dont wash use conditioner. Try a deep conditioner a few times a week too. Like Tigi Dumb Blonde (you dont have to have blonde hair) and with that put it in about 10 minutes before you shower and leave it in till your shower is over then rinse it before you get out. Dont shampoo. Just by trying those few little tips you should see better results. I dont use hair spray or anything either because I feel it damages my hair. I do blow dry which isnt always any better but I use a lower setting. The absolute best thing you can start with is a trim or cut. It's like when you go to the dentist they can start you with a fresh cleaning (thats the salon with the cut) but you need to take care of yourself with home care to keep yourself healthy. I hope all this helped you out.

Answer 3

Well, for one thing it is going to take a little bit of time.

Secondly, you might want to make an appointment for your local salon. Tell them you want to come in for the deep condition treatment. It is going to cost you roughly around $20.

After that, buy yourself a good shampoo and keep the good conditioner you have. Throw out the shampoo/conditioner mix..those are BAD for the hair and will only further contribute to any damage.

Next, forget about the "silk" drops. Only use those on special occasions or like 2 maybe 3 times a week 1 time a day max. And when you do use....with the length and thickness of your hair...like only a dime size amount. That stuff although it works well to make it LOOK good and smooth it all out and make fly aways go away, it is ultimately damaging for your hair.

Remember no product= no damage to hair = revitalize hair. I know for myself i had to suffer through months of little to no product in order to rejuvinate my hair back to some sort of something to work with. Was it fun? no not really? Did it look wonderful while going through it? Not most of the time. Thank God for hair ties and hats during the "plateau" times you speak of.

Answer 4

I think you should just go to a salon and tell them to cut off/trim off the broken ends/fly-aways/little pieces that sticks out. That way you can start over and do the routine that your doing to prevent it to have broken ends or what they call "split ends".

Do you blow dry a lot?! Maybe your doing it wrong.

After a hot blow dry in your hair. Blow dry it with cold air before combing it. Hair cuticles are sensitive when you blow dry it with hot air. Thats how it get damage. So to prevent that after hot blow it with cold air then comb.

You should try to use some products too to prevent damage hair.

Answer 5

Split/broken ends will not repair themselves, ever. The only real fix is to cut them off, otherwise you're stuck.

A few other tips. Always rinse with cold water at the end of your shower so that the cuticle closes, keep up with the no brushing, & if you can, let it air dry sometimes.

I notice that if I put it up in a bun and let it dry, it'll end up well.

Answer 6

once hair is damaged, you can not repair it, only mask its damage for a short time. have all damaged hair cut off and start from scratch. use less and more of a gentle shampoo, do not use hot water on your hair, rinse in cold water...helps seal in the moisture. get trims often...don't pull on tangles with a comb or brush, stretching the hair weakens it...o i know there is much more but im tired and going to bed.
o, and always use products designed for heating elements if you use a heating element, cut down on the heating elements if you can.
o..also, only leave the shampoo in for a few seconds and only on the scalp area, when rinsing, the suds will be enough for the rest of your hair.

Answer 7

you sound like me!! i have really long thick dry hair in need of moisturizing...try some moisturizing treatments from a beauty salon...and get a trim...getting rid of those ends make your healthier ...i always just brush my hair after the shower and thats it....try avoiding taking showers everyday ...instead take one every other day...at least washing your hair...if you want to get rid of the fly aways just wait them out...they are annoying now but eventually they will grow...get some serium and put it your hair when its wet it should help take care of that problem

Answer 8

I would go to a proffesional and get a hair mask or let it go for a couple days. NO product and just let it be natural. Or use shampoo every other day and the days that u dont just use conditionr (my fave is my Bumble&bumble Sunday)