I believe the breakage you are describing is what I have as well. I associated mine with my first 14 week streatch and air drying and bunning exclusively. I wasn't aware that my hair had severe breakage in that area until I decided it was time for a touch-up - I couldn't wait any longer. I have BSL hair which was not affected - but is very thin in that area now. My hair wasn't receiving enough moisture/protein in that area which caused it become dry and brittle. Even though I wash and DC weekly. I also was using dominican products.
So I have changed up my routine and now I'm using Keracare Dry and Itcy Scalp poo and conditioner and the Keracare Humecto conditioner. I just treated my hair with Aphogee Protein treatment as I will use this every 6 weeks to promote strength and help with my shedding. I also started using WRGO as directed. I'm not going to do a 14 week stretch anymore - I'll stick with 12 weeks. Also - air drying I'm cutting back on that going back to my original routine of roller setting.