Why isn't my hair "happy"?

Hi!  I have jet black hair. It was always fine, extremely shiny, and bouncy and soft growing up. The past 2 years it has been dry, brittle and dull. I don't blowdry it, straigten it, curl it or perm it. I always condition it after I shampoo. I don't wash it every day. I never brush it wet. I get the ends trimmed regularly. But, almost as soon as I trim it, the ends are already splitting again. And there is this other wierd thing it is doing: The ends of my hairs turn white, like the pigment is seeping out of them. It isn't smooth anymore, and it has lost all its elasticity. If I test a hair that has fallen out and give it a little tug, it doesnt stretch at all, it just snaps. Why isn't it happy???   I'm trying to take care of it, but I don't know what is missing. and why do the ends turn white?

Hm... Well, I have rather new brushes, having bought them thinking that might be the problem.  I don't know if my hairdresser's scissors are sharp, since she is the one that trims it for me.  I do have a bad habit that you made me think might be wise to stop, sometimes if I find a split end and I don't have scissors with me, I will bite it off just above the split part. I guess I shouldn't do that.  I haven't been taking any vitamins.  And I need to drink more water.  What vitamins should I take?  I use a variety of products, most of them are for smoothing the hair, or to prevent split ends. I also have Nioxin, Redken for volume, and John Frieda to prevent and repair sun damage.

Hi junglerose,

I would suggest that you schedule an appointment with a doctor and have them perform a physical exam, and request a complete blood analysis.  It sounds like your health may be suffering (and you don't otherwise realize it).

Also, if you find split ends, refrain from biting them off.  I agree with Tyranna -- it's better to wait until you can use scissors.  And buy a good pair of hair-trimming scissors.  They will be sharp, and won't negate the work of your stylist's trims.

Do you use a deep conditioner after you wash your hair?  And oiling it lightly (after it dries) will help lock in the moisture.

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. I'm glad I got some answers! What kind of oil do I use to "oil my hair" to lock in moisture? I've never done that, so I'm not even sure how or what to use?  And also, are you referring to protein treatments? How long is safe to leave those in?