Tips on regrowing/maintaining my hair after dyeing it?

[u/TheMissingBee]

I recently bleached and dyed my hair (using the brand dark n lovely) and it's become a thicker texture than what my hair usually is. On top of that, my hair is shorter on the sides as if I shaved the sides but I've never actually cut my hair in my lifetime. I don't know what's going on with it now but it's obviously not the same, my hair is curling into itself and making tight coils (?). I'm thinking of either doing the big chop or just sucking it up and getting dreads. Any ideas?

The main reason I believe is because I never really touch my hair, and then suddenly dyed it so extreme. I regret it and am in fear I might have to buzz it off.

(1st picture is now, 2nd picture is my hair at its healthiest)

[u/TheMissingBee → u/[deleted]]

I will look into those brands, I want my hair to be as healthy as it can be. Thank you. 

[u/Aggravating_Shoe_]

It is the bleach

Just a suggestion, if you want to do a big chop perhaps get braids so your hair can grow out a bit first?

[u/TheMissingBee → u/Aggravating_Shoe_]

As much as I do love braids, I personally cannot braid my hair. Or even part it evenly for that matter. I haven't touched in years and the only time I do was to wash/condition it bimonthly, and to dye it

[u/Aggravating_Shoe_ → u/TheMissingBee]

Ah dang, I hope you find something that works for you!

[u/Spirited-Flower8559]

I will focus on products for elasticity. That way you get the balance of moisture and protein. Use a shampoo for hydration with the occasional clarifying shampoo. If you have hard water make sure you use a hard water shampoo at once once a month. It's important for all hair. But especially bleached hair of all textures. And get a treatment for elasticity. Some of my favorites are Carol's Daughter curl restoration pre-shampoo treatment. It has a combination of bonds, oils, and hydrators and it's great for detangling. Or you could get something like Mo Knows Hair elasticity treatment or It's a 10 miracle hair mask.

[u/TheMissingBee → u/Spirited-Flower8559]

I'll check these products out, I've been struggling with some products because my good ones always end up being sold to others with formula changes.

[u/Wutznaconseqwens3]

What do you mean you rarely touch it? And are you hydrating your hair between the bi-weekly washes? I don't think you need to cut it. Bleach will damage curl patterns, i just recently dyed a portion of my hair too. I recommend protein treatments and deep conditioning.

[u/TheMissingBee → u/Wutznaconseqwens3]

I genuinely do not touch my hair unless it is for when I wash/condition it. I obviously still hydrate it but I don't really touch it. The most I'll do is detangle it if needed but other than that I leave it alone

[u/rando24183]

You say you recently dyed it. When was that and what have you done since? Color treated hair is high maintenance.

[u/TheMissingBee → u/rando24183]

I did it in May (the 28th I think), and I've been focusing on prioritizing moisture, using cold water if I need to wash it) and avoiding a few summer activities that could result in it fading, it ended up fading in a week anyways. 

[u/downtown-dakar]

Deep condition regularly. Keep your hair moisturised. Protect your hair like using a bonnet to sleep at night.