I'm confused about moisture v protein for my hair. Can anyone clear it up for me?

[QuimReaper]

My hair has suffered some pretty bad heat abuse from heated rollers which I started using 5yrs or so ago, so gets quite candy-flossy, especially at the back.

The problem is, it's been about a year now since I cut right back and made some big improvements to the treatment of my hair. I usually only use the rollers once a week; I use L'oreal Intensive Oil on the ends; I use Kerastase Densifique shampoo and conditioner; and I henna it a few times a year instead of using boxed dyes. I've also (recent resolution) cut it a fair bit shorter so it sits right on my shoulders.

I expected the ends to still perhaps be growing out the abuse, but the problem is I've still got a halo of snapped hairs right on top of my head! Surely not from once-weekly heat styling?

Dr Internet seems to simultaneously suggest that my hair needs more protein, and that protein can contribute to snapping. I'm very confused. I've tried the "stretch test" thing but to be honest I wasn't really sure what I was looking for.

My hair feels like silk, it just looks like arse.

Bump! Realise my OP is poorly worded - was hoping someone could advise on the advisability of protein treatments, I'm scared of making the situation even worse with them.

Not sure either but bump!

One last bump

Could I please see pictures?

Are you putting the rollers in the same places every time?

Are you suing oil before you put the rollers in?

I think the regular use of heated rollers is the cause.

I style my hair with large heated rollers for work. Over time the ends of my hair become dead looking. They're not split, they're smooth and silky when washed but it's like the life has been taken out of the last couple of inches and my hair loses it usual bounce. The only thing that solves it is a good trim/haircut.

I do use Olaplex and Philip Kingsley Elasticiser weekly but even with those I think that heater rollers are so hot that eventually the heat styling affects even the best protected hair. I notice the effect much more when I don't have time for regular haircuts.

My hairdresser said you can overdo protein treatments but weekly is fine. I find my hair is optimal when I wash it less - 3-4 days instead of 1-2 days. The condition of my hair really improved when I started washing it less.

My guess would be that your hair needs moisture rather than protein. Have you tried the strand test? Does your hair sink or float?

How far will your hair stretch before snapping?

If it needs moisture, just add some oil to your normal conditioner and leave it on for an hour or even over night (olive oil is great, or argan or jojoba, or sweet almond which is cheap as chips).

I would also try to wash less frequently as suggested above, and consider stopping the heat treatments. I'll try to find a link to help you with the mositure/ protein balance.

I also would suggest being really really careful when brushing/ de-tangling your hair. I only ever de-tangle with a wide tooth comb (or my fingers) when my hair is wet and has loads of conditioner on and is really slippy. Brush as little as you can get away with.

Oh thank you for the replies!

Prosecco yes I do tend to use the same pattern each time, I don't put oil on right before using them. My hair is thin, straight and fine (which as you can imagine is a very attractive combination ) so can't tolerate much product without being weighed down. For the same reason though it doesn't really tangle, so I don't think brush damage is the answer.

Pookie I know exactly what you mean about the ends looking dead and needing to be cut off, that's what mine were like when I was using the rollers all the time, but it's the snapping off at the root which is driving me round the twist!

I've tried to take a picture but as my hair's a couple of days old it isn't really showing up - the breakage is much more apparent when it's freshly washed so I'll try and get a snap this afternoon when it's clean.

GreenValley is the strand test the stretch thing? Can you help me out with that? I don't really know how to describe how far it stretches - it maybe holds for about two seconds before breaking? I'll check if it sinks or floats now - am I literally just resting a single hair on a sink full of water to see what happens, or is there something more to it?