Hi, I am writing because I am trying to find a solution for my mothers hair loss and damage.  My mother is African American, and she had long mid back length hair that was chemically treated.  Five years ago my mother became anemic because she had a low iron.  The hair in the back of her hair gradually broke off and it changed in texture.  The hair at the top and crown stayed healthy and long.  The hair at the back broke completely to the roots and it feels like wire, its dry, coarse, and damaged.  It also has white bubbles along the hair strand (not the root part). 

 

 

Its been five years now, and the hair is still short brittle, dry, and it has white bubbles on the hair strand.  She has visited many dermatologist, and they have all stated that it was chemical damage, and they recommend her to go natural.  She went natural for a year and the hair was still damaged.  We constantly cut the damage off, moisturize with water based conditioners, sleep with a satin cap, and we avoid combing and brushing this area.  She alternates between protein and moisturizing conditioner.  She tried to go to the hairdresser numerous occasions, but they careless hair practices broke the hair off worse. She eats well and excerises, and she doesnt smoke or drink.

Can you give me some advice?  This is very frustrating.

Hi Tina. so sorry to hear of your moms hair problems. I'll try my best to give some helpful advice.

 

First, I don't think you mentioned, is she still anemic? Do you know what caused her to suddenly become anemic, because whatever the reason, it could possibly still be an underlying cause to the hair problems. You said she eats well, could you describe her diet? And could you describe her hair routine in more detail please. Like does she shampoo? how often? what brand does she use? etc.. I'll hopefully be able to offer you more insight once I have more info about the problem. What you are doing so far - not brushing that damaged areas, using a sating pillows case, etc, sounds like a good start. I'd keep doing all that.

 

Also, you said she has white bubbles on her hair. Do they look like dots and can you bend the hair at a 90 degree angle or more at that point (the white dot being the axis). If this is the case then what you are talking about is another form of a split end - the hair is broken at that point, it's just not split in 2 like the traditional split end because it's higher up the hair shaft.