Damaged hair help - styling?

My hair was damaged by a straightener and highlights last year. However, it is not a dry brittle damage - it is actually too soft and fine and thin and even thinner now because of all the breakage. I've had it cut semi short (chin length) in layers. However, it's at an in between stage and hard to style. It is so soft that it does better if I don't use conditioner - just a mild shampoo. YET, it sheds/breaks really bad if I don't use conditioner. I can run my hands through it when wet when I don't use conditioner, and it just breaks all over so easily. With conditioner, it doesn't break so bad, but it lays flat and soft and lifeless and won't hold a style as well (not to mention won't hold hairspray as well). WHAT should I be using to make my hair hold a style yet not fall out so easily?

Damaged hair help - styling?

WOW- sounds like you had a bad experience. I am so sorry. There a few things I can recommend to you. The first thing I want to say though, is that if your hair is THAT damaged- it will take a long time to get it back., BUT there is hope- I have helped cases like yours before. lol :)

Here are some products that I will recommend to you:

Redken makes a line called Extreme for cases just like yours. I would recommend getting the shampoo and conditioner as well as the once a week deep conditioner. Use all as directed. You are on a long road- you will have to keep styling your hair to get it to do anything so I would also recommend some Heat Glide (also by Redken in teh Smooth Down line- use two to three pumps when your hair is wet before you style- comb through well) in conjunction with a few spritzes of the Extreme leave in conditioner (your hair IS dry, brittle needs it- trust me. IT has no elasticity left, which is why it is breaking. Even more so when it is wet, hair is less elastic). Now for the hold and volume- TIGI makes a Superstar line and there is a product called Queen for a day thickening spray. Spray this on roots and ends before you dry. Try to blow dry with a flat brush instead of a round brush as this puts way too much tension on your hair right now? Blow dry upside down for volume and then just smooth out the ends when you are almost dry. Good luck. These thigns ar all pricey- but they work- I promise.

Damaged hair help - styling?

It sounds pretty bad so I would go to your stylist to see what they recommend. Personally, I would stop shampooing and just rinse in the shower with water. Then use a strengthening conditioner or a light leave-in spray. The best thing for breakage is Redken ExtremeCAT treatment. Try sleeping ona silk/satin pillowcase or wrapping your hair in a scarf because the cotton pillowcases can contribute to breakage also. If your hair is breaking that bad you might just have to get a trim.

Damaged hair help - styling?

Have you tried a hot oil treatment or a 2 in one shampoo. I would also suggest finding something with tea tree oil in it . I have used tea tree oil for the damage done to my daughters hair from over chemically altering it. Other than that talk to a hair stylist they should have some really good suggestions.

Damaged hair help - styling?

Your hair definetely sounds over processed. Go to a good stylist and get it cut into a nice short spikey do. Can make that spike up with some of the new gels. That way the hair can grow back in normal and strong. Make sure that you eat a balanced diet as that affects your hair growth too. Also have them recommend some really good shampoo for your type of hair. Salons will sell some great stuff. And then don't color your hair.

Damaged hair help - styling?

you could get pantene time renewal shampoo. and to hold styles, you can try various of those kind of creams (i forgot what the names were) or you can get you hair cut in layers.

Damaged hair help - styling?

The best results I have had with 14 years experience and thousands of clients is with Kerastase products and treatments. Find a salon in your area. Book a treatment and consultation. They will prescribe the appropriate regiment for your hair in this condition. They have different treaments, not just moisturizers for hair. Immediately you will see and feel a difference but you also must be realistic about your expectation. Your hair didn't come to this state overnight and and can not be over night "cured".

Damaged hair help - styling?

As a hairdresser, and one who's had their hair fried off, I understand your problem. You should use conditioner, even if it's the lightest thing you can get. It's hard on your hair to not use conditioner. The conditioner closes down the cuticle of your hair making it softer, but also more managable and to keep your hair from breaking.

I would suggest going to your hairdresser and getting some Deep Conditioning Treatments. They'll work great. The ones at the salon are better than anything you'll get at the store.

A good shampoo and conditioner to get to mend your hair would be Joico K-Pak. Any shampoo and conditioner and styling product of the K-Pak line will be strengthening to your hair. I swear by it when someone has some damage going on. A leave-in Conditioner that I would recommend would be TIGI BedHead EgoBoost. It's a Split End Mender. It's light weight and it won't leave your hair limp.

Styling wise to help your hair hold a style, use TIGI BedHead Small Talk. It's a Thickifier, Engerizer, and a Stylizer. I use it on all my clients, even if they have thicker hair. It helps hold the style better. Instead of hairspray try used pomades. Not a ton, but just a little I suggest TIGI BedHead Manipulator. It works great, and everything smells good. I use the Manipulator on all my short hair and longer hair clients. It holds your hair without weighing it down.

If you need anything, Please let me know. I want to help.