Hi friends! It has been a little over two weeks since I posted that I think I discovered what is causing my breakage. Immediately after I wrote that post, I poured out all of my oil mixtures and washed the bottles with boiling water (literally) and dish detergent (I used detergent because it cleans oil/ grease). Then I made new mixtures using coconut oil as a base. I have been using coconut oil since the beginning of my hair journey and have not had a problem yet (at least I don't think). I did a clarifying wash the following week and have rid myself completely of Amla.
So fast forward two weeks and I am still seeing breakage. I believe it has subsided a bit, but it's still way more than I'm comfortable with. Also, now instead of a bunch of really small pieces, the pieces are longer. I don't know what the heck is going on. I keep reminding myself that although I thought it would happen immediately, I had been consistently using Amla oil on my hair since September (roughly 5 months), so I shouldn't expect to reverse the effects immediately. I certainly don't think it should take months for the breakage to stop, but I'm just trying to be reasonable and give my hair a chance to adjust and rebalance.
I am scheduled to go to my stylist for my texturizer in about 3 weeks and at that point I will talk to her and make adjustments to what I'm currently doing. Unfortunately, I'm also preparing myself for the worst in terms of how much I'll have to get chopped off.
At this point, it's all a part of the learning process and I know better moving forward. I'll keep you posted.
Hoping your problem gets under control on time to avert any chop.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ghanaian Emprezz - I hope that's the case as well! Thanks for stopping by :-)
DeleteIt may very well be the alma I have a friend who started her hhj two years ago and started using Alma and suspected it too was breaking her hair
ReplyDeletewww.chantelovesbeauty.blogspot.com
Thanks Chantel - I did some research and did learn about others who believe their breakage was caused by Amla. I just finished another wash day and am slowly but surely seeing the difference since I stopped using it. I definitely learned my lesson, SMH. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteWhen was the last time you used a protein conditioner? You don't have to use a super heavy one, but I'd say try out Aphogee's 2 minute reconstructor, which is pretty light IMO. They sell the individual packets that come with 2 applications if you don't want to commit to a whole bottle. It might help to curb your breakage.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion Sasha! I've never used Aphogee since I've been taking care of my hair myself, but am certainly interested in trying it. I'm still having a hard time discerning whether my hair needs more moisture, or protein, but I don't think it would hurt to try more protein. Thanks for stopping by!
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