hair is lightening, sign of poor health?

 

I used to go to the shop to have my hair relaxed and pressed out once every 3 months. Then in between that I would wash and flat iron my hair myself.

 

Lately however, I stopped going to the shop. I've started relaxing my own hair with Silk Elements Regular (I'm 4b, shoulder length). When I'm not using chemicals I do a plain wash with Infusium 23 shampoo, Doo Gro Deep Moisturizing Con, flat iron with some all natural oils and that's it.

 

The problem is, ever since I started doing my own hair, my hair feels very stiff, dull, dry and lifeless. Also, the color of my hair used to be dark black (think 1b) and it's lightening now to a soft black/brownish color which makes it look even more dull. (between 1b and 2, but closer to a 2, and I know this cause I tried to match my hair for extensions)

 

I feel like the color change has to do with the poor health of my hair. There is NO breakage, but the hair just looks BAD.

 

What can I do to have shiny, beautiful hair ladies and  stop this color change?

 

THANKS