Hi everyone!
I was just curious and this question has been gnawing at me for about a week now. I've always experienced little strands of breakage but since it wasn't signficant (like when I was relaxed and people could actually see my broken off strands all over my school uniform), I never thought it was a big deal. Right now, I might see a couple of strands of breakage but I don't really worry about it.
So my question is:
Does everyone experience at least some form of breakage, even when your hair is "healthy"?
If not, then I seriously need to up my protein game 'cause when I shampoo and condition, I'd see some broken strands here and there.
My answer is no or very rarely. If I'm washing perhaps a few during detangle but not really if I'm patient. Because I also wash in braids to minimize tangles and stretch the hair. I'm a mbl natural on my way to wl (fingers crossed. I've had to cut out some layers and it took a year to accomplish cutting out most of them and I'm more than ready to cross the darn finish line). I think in the long run your progress may stall or slow if you're having a lot of breakage as opposed to shedding.
Now shedding (with the bulb) that's another thing. I shed the average (or a little less than that) that you're supposed to shed and I always check and see that bulb. So it's not breakage.
There are a few things that could be culprit: Handling. HOW you handle the hair and how often. Perhaps your hair requires lower manipulation? Then all the twists in the world won't help you. Better to corn row and kim until it's time to do it again. Whereas with twists you'll have to retwist. Also the products you use, and the tension when you do the hair mattter too. I have fine strands so I find that the tension has to be light even when I braid.
Also you mention protein...IDK. You have to KNOW your hair is what I mean. My hair requires very little protein. I get protein through silk protein (the lightest) and coconut oil (prepoos overnight before washing). I also strengthen hair with cholesteral (but it also provides moisture). Mostly my hair
CRAVES moisture. When I see little broken hairs (or a loooong time ago when I did in the beginning of experimenting), it was because my hair was overloaded with protein and was craving moisture instead. All of my dcs are moisturizing, not filled with protein. It only has minor stuff (silk protein) in it. Once in a blue moon I'll put on an egg or some mayo (like every couple months). Because really my hair just doesn't need it. So basically what I'm saying is you could be similar to me in that you don't need more protein and you're overdooing it. Or you aren't getting in any protein, but still don't need it, but aren't using enough moisture. One thing I started doing is leaving a little conditioner in my hair (silk elements conditioning treatment) period. That's my moisture. I let it dry then style. It feels moist for a week when I do that (it is so dense and it's not intended as a leave in but it works and really helps my moisture retention). I also put on some argan oil or coconut if it gets dry (as they also penetrate and don't just sit on the hair (they're the only oils that do that...I also think avocado does also, but don't quote me on that).
Think about a hands off style that you can utilize for a month on end. You may not be the cowash every other day lady (for instance), you might be the minimal effort lady. You never know. Either braided up, or some kinda stretched style, or flat ironed every once in a while. It may help with retention and you'll see less hairs.