My Daughter's Hair Is Breaking Off... PLEASE HELP!

Echo what the previous mom's said about trying other alternatives to pony tails. (handbands, baretts, scrunchies etc). If you do put her hair up in a pony tail be sure you are not putting it up when it is wet or damp - this can promote breakage.

I am a hairstylist, and yes it sounds as though the ponytails are causing the breakage.

I would advise you to do more braids, maybe even clip the hair in the front in a cute little barrette, or two barrate on wither side of the head (think around the midpoint of the eyebrows), and then braid it all together down the back, nice and simple, especially if you are not great at french braiding.

Another option is to do a lot of little twists and pin them together. Or try twistring it in a little ballerina bun would be cute. Just try to keep the tension even throughout the hair and to not put all the pressure on the same spot every day.

Also, avoid putting her hair up when it is wet or damp (of course, in order to braid, you will need to spray it a bit with a water bottle in order to hold it well).

You can always try deep conditioning treatments, but those typically work best for chemical damage, not mechanical damage like breakage.

Here are some good resources to help with your styling options:

http://www.expertvillage.com/interviews/hair-styles-young...

The "twisted butterfly" on this site is super easy and cute:

http://ok.essortment.com/hairgirls_rnhr.htm

http://www.expertvillage.com/videos/hair-styles-young-gir...

Why don't you try hairbands? Its never a good idea for any one to consistantly wear ponytails, as breakage will occur. But a hairband will allow her to wear it down but push back her hair so that she won't have any trouble with her hearing aid. Also try a french braid--again, it will keep the hair out of the way but won't pull on the hair in the same way as a ponytail. Hope this helps!

try those little head bands with teeth, um, i forget what they're called, but they look like a headband that's bent in peaks all over. My mom used those all the time on us girls when we were little...they work, and I still use them on occasion to this day :P

Instead of pony tails why dont you try hair clips or scrunches it will cause less damage and try shampoos and conditioners with protein building complex's in it to help build up her hair strength.

Sweet and Sassy is a nice place with afordable prices for kids maybe they can give you some ideas.

Wish I could be more of a help.