My hair is depressing me :-( HELP

[trendsetta25]

Hey guys

I'm at a point where I don't know what's wrong with my hair. I've been on my hhj since 2008 and I'm stuck at BSB.
What's been depressing me lately is not the length but the health. My hair has been shedding like CRAZY since round Dec 2013!!!! Every time I wash my hair it depresses me as I see long strands clog the drain in the shower. My hair feels really limp and I've experienced breakage in my crown. On a good note, I'm not balding and my hair isn't thin. I don't know what's wrong.

Here's some facts:
- I'm currently on BC (tri-previfem for almost 2 years)
- I'm texlaxed - I use soft sheen Carson's salon care relaxer.
- I used to relax every 6 months but this year I plan on doing it every 4 months
- I wear wigs that I take off when I get home (I'm a yt'ber so I review hair for various companies)
- I keep my braids in for 2 weeks as of May. Less manipulation. I used to keep them in for a week and take them down on wash days. Now I wash my hair weekly but do a take down and detangle every two weeks
- I comb my hair with my 2 seamless combs (magic star and contour comb from hotcombs.net)
- sleep with a silk scarf
- I oil my scalp with castor oil mixed with peppermint oil every other day
- I moisturize my hair when needed by spraying my moisture mix
- Shampoo with sulfate free poo
- Deep condition with ORS Replenshing conditioner weekly
- Moisturize with ORS olive oil moisturizer
- Seal with EVCO
- Give myself a hard core protein treatment every 6-8 weeks
- T-shirt dry my hair and blow dry on cool/warm
- Flat iron once a month
- drink 8 glasses of water daily
- Work out 3 times a week for 30 mins (not intense because I'm not trying to loose weight. I'm a good size for my height but I have a pooch in my tummy I want to get rid of lol..newlywed weight)
- Walk about an hour 5 days a week (it's a 15 min walk to the train another 10 to my job, then back home...I also walk fast!!)
- I recently started to juice for dinner 3-4 days a week with Kale, flaxseed oil and any fruits of my choice
- I limit my fast food intake to 1-2 times per week
- I take GNC Ultra Nourish daily since Feb
- I started taking vitamin B2 2,000 mg daily for 1 month now
- Trim every 6 weeks

Misc. Facts
Garlic rinses and tea rinsing has NOT worked for me.
I started to invert in January but haven't done it last month
I've tried the greenhouse method for 2 weeks but haven't been consistent.
I recently added MN to my castor oil mix. Been using that for about a month.
My scalp itches like crazy!!!



Thanks for reading and helping in advance :-(

 

[tuffCOOKiE]

Did you do an at home brazilian-like treatment (like Nu-Naat) last year?

 

[trendsetta25]

Did you do an at home brazilian-like treatment (like Nu-Naat) last year?

Nope. I don't know how that is done.

 

[curlicarib]

This was happening to me also. In addition to the MASSIVE shedding, I had a sore scalp. Not painful, just a low grade soreness. I was so desperate, I got a hair analysis from Komaza Care. The bottom line was that my follicles were clogged and my roots were dying. My hair was also heavy with build-up. Basically she told me to use a clarifying shampoo, stop using conditioner as a leave-in (only use designated leave-in conditioners), stop co-washing and use protein weekly/bi-weekly. The change in my hair is tremendous.

My current weekly routine is:
(1) shampoo with clarifying shampoo - Quantum Clarifying Shampoo from Sally's
(2) apply protein for about 4 - 5 minutes - Mega-Tek
(3) detangle with conditioner, rinse THOROUGHLY - Aussie Moist
(4) DC, rinse THROUGHLY - Silk Elements from Sally's
(5) Style - Komaza Care's Aloe Line
(6) Air dry

My hair is so happy now and I'm steadily regaining my thickness. I made this change in october 2013 and I can't wait for this October to do another analysis and see how much progress I've made.

This routine is very simple but effective. You are doing a lot to your hair. Maybe it just needs a break and a more simple routine.


ETA: If nothing else, ease up on putting anything on your scalp. Clogged follicles are no joke. I thought I was going to lose all of my hair, and I would have if I didn't make a change.

 

[overtherainbow]

I don't have any advice other than I agree with curlicarib. I just came in to say I am a fan of your videos.
Good luck!

 

[trendsetta25]

This was happening to me also. In addition to the MASSIVE shedding, I had a sore scalp. Not painful, just a low grade soreness. I was so desperate, I got a hair analysis from Komaza Care. The bottom line was that my follicles were clogged and my roots were dying. My hair was also heavy with build-up. Basically she told me to use a clarifying shampoo, stop using conditioner as a leave-in (only use designated leave-in conditioners), stop co-washing and use protein weekly/bi-weekly. The change in my hair is tremendous. My current weekly routine is: (1) shampoo with clarifying shampoo - Quantum Clarifying Shampoo from Sally's (2) apply protein for about 4 - 5 minutes - Mega-Tek (3) detangle with conditioner, rinse THOROUGHLY - Aussie Moist (4) DC, rinse THROUGHLY - Silk Elements from Sally's (5) Style - Komaza Care's Aloe Line (6) Air dry My hair is so happy now and I'm steadily regaining my thickness. I made this change in october 2013 and I can't wait for this October to do another analysis and see how much progress I've made. This routine is very simple but effective. You are doing a lot to your hair. Maybe it just needs a break and a more simple routine. ETA: If nothing else, ease up on putting anything on your scalp. Clogged follicles are no joke. I thought I was going to lose all of my hair, and I would have if I didn't make a change.

This helps soooooo much! Yes my scalp is sore as we'll. I have Main n Tail Clarifying poo I can use.

 

[trendsetta25]

I don't have any advice other than I agree with curlicarib. I just came in to say I am a fan of your videos. Good luck!

Awww hey love!

 

[curlicarib]

This helps soooooo much! Yes my scalp is sore as we'll. I have Main n Tail Clarifying poo I can use.

I think the sore scalp is the kicker. The first two weeks after the analysis, I washed my hair twice a week to get the build up OFF my hair and scalp. Then I went to the once a week routine. The soreness greatly diminished after the first wash and went away completely after the second wash. For those first two weeks I let the shampoo sit on my hair and scalp for about 5 minutes before washing out. Seriously, if you have the same problem as I did, you will know after the first wash and the sore scalp eases up.

Good luck.

 

[Jace032000]

This was happening to me also. In addition to the MASSIVE shedding, I had a sore scalp. Not painful, just a low grade soreness. I was so desperate, I got a hair analysis from Komaza Care. The bottom line was that my follicles were clogged and my roots were dying. My hair was also heavy with build-up. Basically she told me to use a clarifying shampoo, stop using conditioner as a leave-in (only use designated leave-in conditioners), stop co-washing and use protein weekly/bi-weekly. The change in my hair is tremendous.

My current weekly routine is:
(1) shampoo with clarifying shampoo - Quantum Clarifying Shampoo from Sally's
(2) apply protein for about 4 - 5 minutes - Mega-Tek
(3) detangle with conditioner, rinse THOROUGHLY - Aussie Moist
(4) DC, rinse THROUGHLY - Silk Elements from Sally's
(5) Style - Komaza Care's Aloe Line
(6) Air dry

My hair is so happy now and I'm steadily regaining my thickness. I made this change in october 2013 and I can't wait for this October to do another analysis and see how much progress I've made.

This routine is very simple but effective. You are doing a lot to your hair. Maybe it just needs a break and a more simple routine.


ETA: If nothing else, ease up on putting anything on your scalp. Clogged follicles are no joke. I thought I was going to lose all of my hair, and I would have if I didn't make a change.

I think she hit the nail on the head. It seems like you're doing everything right--but it may be just a wee too much. I too have been suffering from a sore scalp and shedding. Perhaps I too have clogged follicles? Glad I stopped in here.

 

[leigh.hill]

I see that you put castor oil mixed with peppermint. It reminds me of a says - Too much of a good thing can be bad. I put nothing on my scalp. Maybe the oils contribute to your itchy scalp. I had a hair analysis from Komaza and she advised that I put rice bran oil on my scalp for 30 minutes before shampooing.

 

[caliscurls]

I see that you put castor oil mixed with peppermint. It reminds me of a says - Too much of a good thing can be bad. I put nothing on my scalp. Maybe the oils contribute to your itchy scalp. I had a hair analysis from Komaza and she advised that I put rice bran oil on my scalp for 30 minutes before shampooing.

trendsetta25 co-signing on leigh.hill advice. I just had the same conversation with someone today. Oil your scalp as a treatment prior to washing only and then maaaaybe once a week. I do it as part of a weekly hot oil treatment/steam before washing. If I oil more than 2x a week my scalps itches like crazy.

 

[JaneBond007]

First thing mentioned, crown breakage and bc's. That could be it. I was going to say it could be stress or endocrine. You should call your doctor and have him/her evaluate you. Maybe you need your bc adjusted, even after 2 years. It's not uncommon for womens' needs to change and they reduce their strength or switch to another. It could also be thyroid or xyz. Call your doctor. Don't do too much. Can you switch to a very low-maintenance hairstyle until your bloodwork/eval. is completed? And another thing, is your wig human hair or synthetic? I've heard of people having allergies to synthetics and even the chemicals used in processing human hair.

I keep adding to this post lol...but has anyone considered not oiling a scalp at all? If you gently massage your scalp, you'll release sebum to oil your hair and release clogged follicles. Wash hands before, though. ACV rinses can unclog follicles as well. I hope it resolves because a sore scalp is painful.

 

[DivineNapps1728]

trendsetta25

The suggestions I had have already been mentioned.

- Add a clarifying (&/or chelating shampoo if you have hard water; Ion makes an awesome hard water shampoo) into your regimen.

It doesn't matter how much you moisturize you hair if the strands are coated & your scalp is riddled with build up. Mineral oil and and silicon laden products work by creating a barrier to hold in moisture, but they can also prevent the penetration of moisture. Dry, coated hair errs on the side of being brittle & prone to breakage.

- Skip the scalp oiling for a week or two after clarifying to assess your scalps needs.

Essential oils although beneficial can be harsh & irritating especially if they aren't used at the right concentration. Beyond that, everyone doesn't need to oil their scalp, it's just a habit we often endorse. If you feel the need to oil your scalp, use light penetrative oils like grapeseed, rice bran and sunflower which are nutrive & known for smoothing and filling gaps in the hair shaft (or whatever light oils you like) Save the castor oil to seal in a water based spritz. A basic braid spray is also great for moisturizing the scalp with the build up.

- Once you fix your moisture balance consider more regular use of light proteins if your hair needs it.

I have fine strands and & use protein and/or ceramides weekly via my liquid leave in, water based cream, butter and/or oils.

- Also decide if you need to develop a more regular trimming schedule (damaged ends will split up the shaft if you let them) & figure out if your breakage is linked to mechanical damage (the way you braid, tension from braids, poor blow drying method, etc).

& finally, sometimes less is more. Build staples into your routine; moisturizing shampoo & clarifying shampoo, rinse out conditioner & dc, liquid leave in with & without protein, water based leave in (with or without protein), light oil & heavy sealing oil, good heat protectant, excellent protein treatment (especially since you use heat & have breakage prone hair) & a suitable relaxer...then leave all the other stuff alone unless a legitimate need arises.


These are all things I've done to turn my hair around at one point or another. HTH !

 

[krissyc39]

Girl if I was doing as much as you I'd be pissed off too!!! <hugs>

Anywho I agree with everyone else about a clogged scalp (and also the peppermint oil which may be too strong). I just wanted to add that very high levels of cruciferous vegetables (ie. kale) has a negative effect on your thyroid. I don't necessarily think that 3-4 times per week is excessive (but then again I'm not a doctor) but combined with other factors, frequent consumption of uncooked kale may be contributing to problems associated with hypothyroidism (thinner hair and unexpected weight gain are two symptoms btw). See your doctor, however, if you're feeling tired for no reason or have any of the other signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as dry skin, a pale, puffy face, constipation or a hoarse voice.

Dangers of Kale overconsumption: http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2014/01/the-dark-side-of-kale-and-how-to-eat-around-it

HTH.

 

[trendsetta25]

First thing mentioned, crown breakage and bc's. That could be it. I was going to say it could be stress or endocrine. You should call your doctor and have him/her evaluate you. Maybe you need your bc adjusted, even after 2 years. It's not uncommon for womens' needs to change and they reduce their strength or switch to another. It could also be thyroid or xyz. Call your doctor. Don't do too much. Can you switch to a very low-maintenance hairstyle until your bloodwork/eval. is completed? And another thing, is your wig human hair or synthetic? I've heard of people having allergies to synthetics and even the chemicals used in processing human hair. I keep adding to this post lol...but has anyone considered not oiling a scalp at all? If you gently massage your scalp, you'll release sebum to oil your hair and release clogged follicles. Wash hands before, though. ACV rinses can unclog follicles as well. I hope it resolves because a sore scalp is painful.

No my wigs are all human hair with closures that I make

 

[trendsetta25]

trendsetta25 The suggestions I had have already been mentioned. - Add a clarifying (&/or chelating shampoo if you have hard water; Ion makes an awesome hard water shampoo) into your regimen. It doesn't matter how much you moisturize you hair if the strands are coated & your scalp is riddled with build up. Mineral oil and and silicon laden products work by creating a barrier to hold in moisture, but they can also prevent the penetration of moisture. Dry, coated hair errs on the side of being brittle & prone to breakage. - Skip the scalp oiling for a week or two after clarifying to assess your scalps needs. Essential oils although beneficial can be harsh & irritating especially if they aren't used at the right concentration. Beyond that, everyone doesn't need to oil their scalp, it's just a habit we often endorse. If you feel the need to oil your scalp, use light penetrative oils like grapeseed, rice bran and sunflower which are nutrive & known for smoothing and filling gaps in the hair shaft (or whatever light oils you like) Save the castor oil to seal in a water based spritz. A basic braid spray is also great for moisturizing the scalp with the build up. - Once you fix your moisture balance consider more regular use of light proteins if your hair needs it. I have fine strands and & use protein and/or ceramides weekly via my liquid leave in, water based cream, butter and/or oils. - Also decide if you need to develop a more regular trimming schedule (damaged ends will split up the shaft if you let them) & figure out if your breakage is linked to mechanical damage (the way you braid, tension from braids, poor blow drying method, etc). & finally, sometimes less is more. Build staples into your routine; moisturizing shampoo & clarifying shampoo, rinse out conditioner & dc, liquid leave in with & without protein, water based leave in (with or without protein), light oil & heavy sealing oil, good heat protectant, excellent protein treatment (especially since you use heat & have breakage prone hair) & a suitable relaxer...then leave all the other stuff alone unless a legitimate need arises. These are all things I've done to turn my hair around at one point or another. HTH !

This is A LOT of helpful info! Love you lots!

 

[trendsetta25]

Girl if I was doing as much as you I'd be pissed off too!!! <hugs> Anywho I agree with everyone else about a clogged scalp (and also the peppermint oil which may be too strong). I just wanted to add that very high levels of cruciferous vegetables (ie. kale) has a negative effect on your thyroid. I don't necessarily think that 3-4 times per week is excessive (but then again I'm not a doctor) but combined with other factors, frequent consumption of uncooked kale may be contributing to problems associated with hypothyroidism (thinner hair and unexpected weight gain are two symptoms btw). See your doctor, however, if you're feeling tired for no reason or have any of the other signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as dry skin, a pale, puffy face, constipation or a hoarse voice. Dangers of Kale overconsumption: http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2014/01/the-dark-side-of-kale-and-how-to-eat-around-it HTH.

Wow thanks!

 

[girlonfire]

pretty lady

I can relate to you when you say your hair depresses you. I felt this way for most of 2013 and the latter part of 2012.

A member on this forum by the name of @AStylistRecommends gave me some great advice for shedding as I was clinically depressed for the time afore mentioned and as a result my hair began to shed excessively. She recommended that I take Garlic capsules. I don't know the whole scientific thing behind it, it might have to do with blood circulation, but all I know is that it helped tremendously. I stopped taking them months ago and this last detangling session I noticed that I'm slowly getting back to where I was, so I better get back on it! You can buy some from walmart I believe. I know you said you did garlic RINSES but maybe taking it orally will help. That member has a thread called "Ask the stylist anything" something like that. There is a trove of info in there, check it out!

Peppermint oil is great for the scalp but you may be doing too much too often. If not diluted properly the oil can actually burn your scalp and chap it creating what looks like dry scalp flakes, causing you to itch (learned from a specialist at my local healthy living store) What kind of castor oil? If it's on the thicker side that could be an issue. a little bit can go a pretty long way with both of these types. If you'd like to try, maybe you could infuse the peppermint into a lighter oil like almond or grapeseed. I would recommend starting with a ratio 1-2 drops to 1 oz of base oil start off. Can't be too safe!

Honestly, you sound REALLY healthy. I think you may need to see a doctor if all else feels hopeless. Or do what curlicarib said and do the kazoma thing. I've been wanting to do that myself.
Hope I helped!!

 

[greenandchic]

This was happening to me also. In addition to the MASSIVE shedding, I had a sore scalp. Not painful, just a low grade soreness. I was so desperate, I got a hair analysis from Komaza Care. The bottom line was that my follicles were clogged and my roots were dying. My hair was also heavy with build-up. Basically she told me to use a clarifying shampoo, stop using conditioner as a leave-in (only use designated leave-in conditioners), stop co-washing and use protein weekly/bi-weekly. The change in my hair is tremendous.

My current weekly routine is:
(1) shampoo with clarifying shampoo - Quantum Clarifying Shampoo from Sally's
(2) apply protein for about 4 - 5 minutes - Mega-Tek
(3) detangle with conditioner, rinse THOROUGHLY - Aussie Moist
(4) DC, rinse THROUGHLY - Silk Elements from Sally's
(5) Style - Komaza Care's Aloe Line
(6) Air dry

My hair is so happy now and I'm steadily regaining my thickness. I made this change in october 2013 and I can't wait for this October to do another analysis and see how much progress I've made.

This routine is very simple but effective. You are doing a lot to your hair. Maybe it just needs a break and a more simple routine.


ETA: If nothing else, ease up on putting anything on your scalp. Clogged follicles are no joke. I thought I was going to lose all of my hair, and I would have if I didn't make a change.

Oh my gosh, that was happening to me too! I never got an analysis but I diagnosed the problem on my own. I've been co-washing for years and using conditioners as leave-ins (to save money and doing the TCM) and I had massive shedding. The idea to start using shampoo again spontaneously popped into my head and the shedding stopped once I started cleansing my scalp on a regular basis. This is especially important since I sweat at the gym 5 days a week.

 

[DrC]

As some posters statedyou may need to clarify. I don't oil my scalp. My roots rejects oil and pushes it out the follicles as build-up sitting on top of my scalp.

To stop my shedding and breakage, I used ayurvedic Amla Powder. Got the idea from youtuber Ebony Clark

Not only did it help with excessive shedding but it thickens the hair.

 

[summerof1990]

hmmm the only thing that i could see is MAYBE the peppermint oil staying in your hair? Are you washing it out afterwards?

I would continue to use the castor oil but not with peppermint oil IF its not being rinsed out the same day.

Peppermint oil is my staple but i rinse it out.

If all else fail and I can't handle my hair and breakage I just go to a trusted stylist and they usually help me get back on track to no breakage/shedding.