Breakage Woes...

Hey guys! I mentioned before that recently I seem to be dealing with some breakage issues. I have been changing my products and regimen around and manipulating more than usual so that probably has something to do with it. I also have been wondering about moisture/protein balance that I have read about on the net. Apparently it is possible that you may be using to much protein and not enough moisture or vice versa. Some naturals say they cannot use anything with protein as it makes their hair feel crunchy. If you already know this about your hair then, hey, go with what works. Every natural is different! But, for those of you who want more info about this fascinating moisture/protein balance thing, hop over here and gorge your eyes on a ton of information regarding just that! You might want to get yourself a snack ahead of time though, it is kinda long and will take some mental digestion. Click here to get your fill of moisture/protein info. Hopefully it is helpful!

Here's an excerpt:
Understanding the difference between breakage and shedding is an important part of any healthy hair regimen. Many people use these terms interchangeably to refer to any hair that falls from the head. In its true sense, shed hair is hair that has reached the end of its growing cycle and naturally falls from the scalp along with its root attached. The root is a tiny white bulb on the scalp originating end. If a hair does not possess this white bulb, then it is not a naturally shed hair—rather, a broken one. Shed hair tends to be longer in length than broken hairs which are generally short pieces of varying lengths. If you have stretched your relaxer for a great number of weeks, your shed hair will have the curly new growth present on the area next to the scalp, and you will be able to see where the relaxed hair begins. Some find that garlic shampoos or products with garlic extracts help curb shedding. But remember, shedding is a natural, internal process and may not respond to topical, external treatments. So don't be alarmed if nothing works for you. Changes in diet, hormone imbalances, birth control pills, and pregnancy can also affect the rate at which hair is shed.

Breakage on the other hand is not natural, and is an indication of an imbalance of important forces within the hair strand. Broken hairs do not fall naturally from the head, but are typically a sign of mishandling or abuse. The proper treatments, will help stop breakage in its tracks.

From: http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=22392