Hair Breakage Products

[Deleted User]

Hello all, I'm trying to grow my hair out for my wedding in January and I'm frustrated because I have to dry and straighten it (yes, I have to, it looks ridiculous if I don't!) and when I brush it it breaks.  Not as much as it used to since I started buying a bazillion products to help it, but each time it breaks from 1 cm-2" and I want to scream "Nooo! You need to grow, not break!!!!"

Right now this is my routine:

Wash my hair 3xs/week using Dove Intensive Repair Shampoo and Conditioner (just started trying this, I like other than it seems to dry my scalp out) OR Tresemme Anti Breakage Shampoo and Conditioner (I don't think it reduces breakage by 80% like they advertise but it's ok).  I'd previously used John Frieda Root Awakening Shampoo and Conditioner and wasn't impressed at all.

After shampooing and conditioning every 2nd wash I use Pantene Replenishing Mask, this is probably my favorite product!  Then after towel drying my hair I apply Redkin Anti Snap to the ends (which I'm not convinced does anything...)

And yes, before I blow dry and straighten I apply a heat protectant, I just picked up Suave Professionals Heat Protection Spray and love it so far.  AND finally, when I brush every morning and night I apply a Pantene Detangler (not sure of the name, they discontinued it !!)  

I've also used Organix Coconut Milk, another that I'm not sure does anything.  Kinda thinking I'm going to have to try Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy, but it's so expensive!

Long story, I know, but my point is, it's still breaking and I'm at a loss.  Can you girls recommend anything good?  Also, I'm taking suggestions for what products I can use to make it grow faster, don't tell me about vitamins - ick!

P.S. I should also add that at my last phsyical they said my iron and everything was very good!  So that's not why it's breaking!

fallbride1109

I have started using the "It's a 10" line of products and have seen some improvements.  I've also taken prenatal vitamins.and seen some results with speeding up my hair growth.  I also recently purchased a higher end blow dryer and flat iron which I think will probably make the biggest difference.  If you are going to use heat,  use good, higher end tools.  Also make sure you pick out your tangles when your hair is wet or tangled, instead of brushing.  I actually brush my hair with a brush as little as possible.

MissyB1313

Buying professional products makes all the difference! Drugstore brands tend to be high in sodium and watered down. I love the HealthySexyHair Soy Milk Shampoo, Conditioner & Soy Renewal oil. I also love the Biolage Strengthening Shampoo, Conditioner & Leave In Spray. Just the Leave in Spray made a huge difference in my hair. Also, Joico's Reconstructer. 

[Deleted User]

There is a vitamin called " hair, skin and nails" I think it works great for strengthening my hair and my finger nails. I would suggest using a wide tooth comb or a pick instead of a brush as well..

emeejeeayen

I used to do beauty PR, so I'm pretty familiar with products that help with breakage. If your hair is super damaged, try L'Oréal Professionnel Fiberceutic - it's an in-salon product, but it's worth it if your hair is about to fall out from damage.

Otherwise, most products that specify that they're for damaged hair will be helpful.

Something that is somewhat counterintuitive for some people is that you need to get regular trims. If you have split ends, you want to cut them off before they spread up your hair shaft. There is no way to repair ends once they have split - you just have to avoid it in the first place. 

Also, try using a balm instead of a shampoo. They're gentler and better for damaged hair. 

Do NOT buy anything with keratin. It will fix the problem temporarily, but what happens is the keratin bonds with the keratin already in your hair providing the straight effect you're looking for. But as the product starts to wash out, as it will do, it will take the existing keratin from your hair with it, making you need to keep using it and keep using it, but you probably won't get the same results you did the first time. Just my two cents. 

bostonstylista

You need to cut it. Nothing you buy is going to fix split ends or breakage. The splits will continue traveling up to your scalp. Once you cut it, you can blow dry it straight without a flatiron. You'll need a concentrator at the end of your blow dryer. Start blow drying when hair is 50 dry angling the concentrator downwards following your brush, preferably a round one with a metal barrel. The flat iron is what is killing your hair. Start using salon products, sulfate free shampoo conditioner.....Aquage Sea Extend Strengthening Shampoo Cond. is fabulous. I'm not an employee of Aquage. I'm a Stylist/Colorist.