Straightener damage

I posted this here because I thought I would get answers to help me save my hair...if I post in bloopers or straight hair, all i will get is the cut it off response...Where is everyone?

Or maybe there is jsut no answer for this but to cut off the 4 inches of damage.

thanks anyway .....:)

jacqui

HI Dave,

Thanks for responding... My hair is pretty thick and is porous due to coloring. So yes, the defrizzer (which says on the box gentle for colored hair) really hurt the ends.

It resembles a broom stick end when I put it in a ponytail. If I put oils in it, it resembles a broomstick with an oily residue on it. The oils just don't penetrate my hair.
I went to a salon on Saturday and had her trim as much of the damage as she could without taking any of my total length. I have layers, so she was able to do alot.

The all over length was 23"....it is now about 22 1/4" So she didn't take too much off. It feels a little better. But not much more. I am thinking about cutting it all off and starting over.


Jacqui

Sadly, I think your best bet is cutting off the damage, and growing it out.

I'm sure the maker's of your gentle defrizzer weren't considering individuals with beautiful long hair. Keep in mind that if your hair was 23" long, the ends of your hair are over 4 years old..assuming normal hair growth of 1/2"/month and semi-regular trims to keep it in shape. Even if you take the BEST care of your hair, 4 years can take it's toll, so it would be more vulnerable to damage from products such as the defrizzer.

I didn't have anywhere NEAR as long a hair as you have/had, but I too had a bad straightening experiece. I actually ended up with short hair (shoulder length) for the first time I think in my life. I am working on growing it out...but I have to say, my hair looked pretty damn cute in the short style I never would have done on my own. It made me much much less afraid of change with my hair (don't get me wrong..there were a LOT of tears initially!)

Best of luck...Let us know how you like your hair if you do decide to get all of the damaged ends cut off. Sometimes this board isn't the best at giving advise, but they are pretty good about being a support group when you go through something tramatic.

Twanda - That was really kind of you to say. Right back to you! I know what you mean, I sometimes read a person's post and wish I had some advise too....just so that the person can feel like he or she is being heard.
i have never seen you, but can tell that you are are beautiful person because of your compassion and ability to brighten up the lives of those around you.
Thanks for responding.

Sassy - you too! Thanks for the feedback. You may be right about having to give up some of my hair for the benefit of it looking and feeling good. I think you hit the nail on the head with the statement you made about feeling like I get a prize once I get to a certain length. it is true for me...I feel like I won't be truly the best I can be (the "prize")until my hair is a certain length. Sounds stupid huh?

jacqui

http://www.hair-styles.net/short/large/s51.htm

ok...maybe now it will work? I am still very freaked out about even the thought of cutting my long waited for growth...but as I feel my hair pinchung into my back (in a pony tail) I don't know what else to do? I am going to consult with my stylist on Tuesday...that is if the city of tampa still exists on Tuesday (lol) we have a hurricane coming at us.

jacqui

You've got that right Dave...Chemical treatments are banned from my person for life. I am so afraid of anything that comes in a box now and say's
"Gentle for color treted hair".

I am going to do just that. I went last week and had a bit of the really bad portions trimmed. I don't think I can bear changing anyhting else about it.

I think I would be more upset with the short hair than to just pull my hair up in a bun with jojoba in it and wait a few years.

Thanks to everyone for the great advice.

jacqui