Why Is My Hair Shedding??

I have 2 transistion dates my last full relaxer was June 09 then I had my edges relaxed Aug 09. In the begining transitioning was a breeze but now I'm having a lot of shedding when I comb my hair and I don't know why! [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] I'm to the point where I DREAD combing my hair. I'm noticing that it's getting thinner but it doesn't seem to be breaking at the root. Here's some background information on my routine:

I co wash once a week w/ either trader joes tea tree or HEHH
I shampoo with HEHH shampoo and DC w/ Pantene Pro-v defense mask once a week
I massage my scalp with EVOO I try to do this nightly but let's say honestly I do it maybe 5 nights out of week
I use Cantu Shea Butter leave in
My style is a phony bun besides Christmas and now New Year this is how my hair has been for the past couple weeks. I use a knee-hi to put my hair in a ponytail and use a Shea-Aloe mix as my styling product and sometimes a little Eco-Styler gel (the olive oil kind)
I also take Biotin 3 times a day
And also throughout the week I will baggy my hair while it's in the bun for 24hrs straight this is normally before I wash.
I also detangle with a Jibere comb or Denman brush

Please if anyone can tell me what I can do I would greatly appreciate it! [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

We'll I've been transitioning for about 4 months now, and the style that works the best for me is the two-strand twist. You could also use perm rods and twist out the style to give it a really curly look.

How often are you combing your hair? I know for me, having the both textures is hard to work with. So I comb as little as possible. The only time i use a comb is when I'm detangling after washing and conditioning. And I wash my hair on a bi weekly basis. So as for the shedding, I'm not sure. Since my style for a week or so is two strand twist, I'm not messing with my hair as much.

But I'm sure other ladies on this forum have way better advice than me and experience. This is just my two cents but hang in there!

1st suggestion: If you are not already doing this, only detangle your hair when it's wet or full of a slippery product like a creamy leave-in or conditioner. Now that you are further along in your transition, don't comb your hair when it's dry.

2nd suggestion if you're already doing the 1st: Since you are only detangling when its wet (once a week when you wash/cowash), you may see a lot more shedded hairs since your are not combing daily...you may be seeing a weeks worth of shed hair when you comb/detangle.

3rd suggestion if 1 & 2 you already know or doing: Nip the Biotin for a few weeks and see if you see better results.

@Natural_nance Shedding is natural. Its said that on average our suppose to shed 100 strands a day.

If you think it's more that normal then use your judgment. I know my hair, dry and unstyled looks soo bad lol.

It is only the permed ends that are thin?

When my hair is dry i can clearly see the contrast, and looking at my hair like that almost tempted me to just cut it off. but i digress

What i can only suggest is to try a style where your not combing as much..

Braids, Cornrows, Twist, Twist out's, Flat Twist, Wigs.

When i first started transitioning, I aslo used my phony bun. Now that I'm getting use to the styles and figuring out what works for me. I use my phony bun rarely.

If you think it's really bad, then like i said use your judgement. Good Luck

What is the purpose of Biotin?

Tmochava: It's supposed to help your hair grow faster and stronger.

@natural_nance I see....the only thing I can think of is changing your DC product, or your may have to add something to it. I add honey and EVOO to mine. My Hair use to over shed too and it hasn't since I found a routine that my hair likes.

natural_nance wrote:Tmochava: It's supposed to help your hair grow faster and stronger.

Thanks!

MsKendrala:

Do you have a DC that you recommend? I'll actually be heading to detroit tonight so whatever you recommend I can get it this weekend!

@natural_nance I use ORS Replenishing Conditioner I get it at Walmart. I mix honey and EVOO in my hand and put it in on top of the conditioner, then I put on a plastic cap and sit under a heating cap for 30mins

I hope that helps!

Thanks! I'm going to try it. What's does honey do?

Honey naturally attracts and holds moisture. It is also a natural
antiseptic and contains antioxidants. Honey is packed with vitamins and
minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, sulphur, iron, zinc and
vitamins B1, B2, B3, which aid in hair growth. It can be added to
conditioners, rinses and pomades.

My hair is uber soft when I'm done and my strands don't snap anymore when I manipulate my hair

natural_nance I think I will lay off the biotin and see if that helps. Do you know if it's known to cause shedding?

I'm not sure, but taking it 3 times a day may be a bit much.