You have gotten some excellent advice. I've had problems with my hair as well. The last time though it was from a botched haircut. Needless to say I've since changed stylists
I was very anxious for my hair to grow back. I really wanted to try the micro braid thing, however because my major was Broadcast Journalism I couldn't experiment any type of natural, locs, or braids. So, my hair really suffered. Now different things work for different people
But the system that I found to work for me was I had to stop perming my own hair
I finally had to breakdown and sacrifice for a professional perm. Now, my hair for some reason has to be permed every 4 weeks...go figure but anways...after every perm I always get my ends trimmed. This is essential to keeping your hair healthy. Once, while trying to grow my hair out I refused to get my ends trimmed and needless to say my hair was split and damaged almost all the way up to the shaft. Also after every perm I get a deep conditioning treatment. I use tea tree shampoo by Paul Mitchell and a moisturizer on my ends during the week called get this: Black Sassy (don't ask me what the name of my perm is
lol It is sold at Sally's and it contains lavender in it...and it actually moisturizes my hair well. I also take a Vitamin E supplement every other day. This helps your hair, nails and skin...but you have to be careful not to take too much. Make sure you get your perms when scheduled too. And remember too that if you are under a lot of stress your hail will shed as well.