conditioner.... friend or foe?

I'm in the same boat, SC.  I condition almost every day, and I put water on my hair every day whether under the faucet or with a spray bottle.  I do have lots of splits, but it's a WHOLE LOT less than it was before I conditioned so much.  (there for a few years I didn't even use conditioner at all)  That's why I do microtrims - to keep the splits at bay. 

I think conditioner is your friend.  My hair gets way too damaged without it, and damage is certainly your enemy.  If you don't use cones, your conditioner is probably a pretty good one, without too many bad chemicals in it. 

What else do you treat the ends with?  I ask because if you aren't using a coney leave-in, and using oil instead, it might be why you don't like your ends.  Even though jojoba is excellent, sometimes it can trick you into thinking your ends are more dried out and crunchy than they are.  (That is why I stopped using jojoba straight and started mixing it with butters, they leave my hair feeling softer). 

Personally, I could not imagine going without a conditioner!I would not be able to get anything through my hair.

Mabye friction is causing the splits? I have a section on the under side that gets them like mad, because of rubbing against my body. Just a thought.

I am with Susan, though, check your treatments for cones. My understanding is that any "end" treatment  is going to have them in it.

Hmm, I don't know what carrot tea tree oil is, but I have some straight tea tree oil at home.  I haven't dipped into it for a long time, so maybe I'm not remembering exactly right, but I don't think mine was very oily.  I remember using it to mix up facial lotions and such, and I thought it was more of a watery thing (and a strong thing at that). 

And the gel may have some alcohol in it that is probably mild, but may cause dryness if used all the time on the delicate ends.  You may want to try switching out your gel for a heavier oil, or for aloe vera gel (if you need the stickiness/hardness of it) if you find your tresemme has alcohol in it.  I'm betting these products are likely more to blame for any dryness problems than your conditioner. 

Alisa: really!!! omg but good thing its diluted with other oils, its just mainly tea tree. i use a little tho but if i don't the gell gets too hard

Tea Tree is an essential oil.  That's unusual that it would be the main ingredient.  It's usually diluted in a carrier oil (meaning a large amount of carrier oil with a very small amount of essential oil).  I might use this oil on my scalp, but not the ends.  Like Alisa said, it's antibacterial and antifungal so it's good for an occasional scalp treatment.   If I were you I'd definitely look for a new oil.  I've heard good reviews on carrot oil.  Maybe you could find some without tea tree.

I have curly hair that gets dry conditioner is a friend for me. Id say if its a foe for you to use a light conditioner and nothing heavy but to still use it, it smooths out flyaways and tames split ends. I also say if your not a big fan of conditioner opt for a leave in or a little oil.

I am very happy for you!Isn't it such a great feeling, when we find something tha works!

It is the thickness of my hair.

thanks guys i'm soo happy..... this means my bsl length won't have to suffer another hideous cut ( technically its bsl when straight but i'm just gonna ignore that fact)